Chapter 80
Anastasia and Tamia headed straight to the luxury floor. Tamia had just been promoted to sales director and had crushed it this quarter, so she was celebrating with her hefty bonus check. They walked into an upscale handbag boutique. Anastasia immediately spotted a stunning bag in the window: a sage green structured tote—such a sophisticated shade. Tamia had been talking about wanting a good work bag, and this one was absolutely perfect.
Anastasia pointed to the sage green tote in the display. “Tam, check that one out. The color’s so chic and low-key—totally you.”
Tamia followed her gaze, her face lighting up. “Holy shit, that’s gorgeous! I’ve been hunting for the perfect tote forever, but could never find the right color.”
They strolled into the store, and a sales associate immediately approached. Tamia didn’t mess around. “Can I see that one in the window?”
The associate smiled and retrieved the bag. “Excellent choice! This is from our latest drop—a super unique colorway, and the leather is buttery soft but really durable for everyday use.”
Tamia grabbed the bag and slung it over her shoulder, turning to Anastasia. “Okay, be honest—does this work on me?”
Anastasia nodded enthusiastically. “It’s literally perfect. The color is so you, and the size is ideal—professional but still stylish.”
Tamia was sold. “Done. Ring me up.”
The associate practically glowed. “Wonderful, I’ll get that wrapped for you right away.”
Tamia paid without a second thought, and they bounced out with her new bag. Walking past a men’s accessories store, Anastasia suddenly remembered Cassian’s birthday was coming up. She drifted over to the display case, and these incredible diamond cufflinks caught her eye. They were set with flawless stones—classic and expensive, but not gaudy. So Cassian’s aesthetic.
Tamia caught her staring. “Ooh, shopping for the hubby?”
Anastasia’s cheeks went pink. “His birthday’s next week. I should probably get him something, right? These cufflinks are pretty nice.”
She was totally mesmerized by them. Tamia’s eyebrows shot up with a mischievous grin. “Aww, already stressing about his birthday? You two are really doing this marriage thing!”
Anastasia bumped her shoulder. “Shut up! I just think…we’re married now, so a birthday gift is normal.”
Tamia nodded, trying to look serious. “Totally normal. Those cufflinks are fire—very CEO vibes, and he’ll think of you every time he wears them.”
That made Anastasia blush crimson. “You’re insane!” But she really did love them.
“Hi, could I take a look at those diamond cufflinks?” Anastasia asked the sales associate.
“I’d like to see those cufflinks as well,” another voice chimed in at the exact same moment, pointing to the identical pair.
Anastasia’s stomach dropped as she turned around. Oh, for fuck’s sake. She must have seriously pissed off the universe today—how else would she keep bumping into Sonia everywhere?
When Sonia spotted Anastasia, she paused before saying with fake sweetness, “Well, well. Ms. Kingsley. Seems like we have very similar tastes.” They were both eyeing the same cufflinks.
Anastasia kept her smile tight but polite. “What are the odds? Though I’m pretty sure there’s a first-come, first-served policy here. My bad, Ms. Vinci.” These particular cufflinks were exclusive and limited edition—literally the only pair like this in existence.