Chapter 697: The Feud (2) – Go Shopping

Oscar was led to a spacious yard after leaving Rowan's study. He waited for Lillian, who was dressing in her room. After a while, she emerged.

"I'm sorry to have kept you waiting," Lillian apologized.

"I just arrived," Oscar replied, smiling.

Lillian knew the time of his arrival and suspected his sincerity, but she appreciated his kindness.

"Let's go," she said.

Oscar followed respectfully, slightly behind her. Lillian disliked this display of deference, but remained silent, aware their connection was fleeting. She knew Oscar was unaware of her father and brother's machinations, merely a pawn in their game. Any attachment would be costly.

They rode in a car, accompanied by bodyguards.

After a while, Lillian said, "How much longer?"

"About ten minutes, Miss," the driver answered.

"Step on it!" Lillian quickly added, covering her mouth, "I feel a bit carsick."

"Yes, Miss," the driver responded, accelerating. The car’s sudden jolt worsened Lillian’s nausea.

"Stop the car," Oscar requested.

The driver glanced at Lillian in the rearview mirror.

"Stop!" Lillian insisted.

The driver immediately pulled over.

"Lillian, wait a moment," Oscar said, exiting the car. He returned shortly with a few oranges. Getting back in, he peeled one and offered the peel to Lillian. "Smell it; you'll feel better."

Lillian hesitantly inhaled the refreshing scent, feeling immediate relief.

"All right, please go," Oscar instructed the driver. "Drive carefully, and not too fast."

"Yes, sir."

The car resumed its journey at a steadier pace.

"It's better to drive slowly when you're carsick," Oscar explained.

Lillian nodded, touched by his consideration.

"I never get carsick," she mused, "Maybe it's because I ate oily food for breakfast."

Oscar smiled. "Keep orange peels handy for future car rides."

Lillian replied, gazing out the window with unspoken sadness. She wondered if his kindness would persist if he knew her family's true intentions.

They arrived at the international mall. Lillian and Oscar entered the haute couture section.

"My father asked me to pick out an evening dress for you. Choose one, and I'll pay," Lillian stated.

"Thank you. Are you attending the dinner tonight?" Oscar inquired.

"No, my father keeps me out of his business; my brother and sister assist him," Lillian explained, shaking her head.

"I see."

"Do you think I'm useless?" Lillian asked abruptly.

"No, Mr. Collins is merely protective. It doesn't mean you're incapable," Oscar reassured her.

"Yes, my father adores me," Lillian said proudly.

Oscar offered a polite smile, then pointed to a simple suit. "Is this alright?"

"It's too plain."

"But it suits me… my identity," Oscar clarified.

"As you wish," Lillian replied, slightly displeased.

Oscar, unconcerned, requested the suit. Entering the fitting room, his expression changed. He recalled choosing evening dresses with Hannah, and Theodore's unanswered question about his choices. He could only decide when the time came.

Emerging from the fitting room, his demeanor restored, he found Lillian reading a fashion magazine. She was momentarily captivated by his appearance in the simple suit.

"Do I look okay?" he asked.

Lillian blushed, still under his spell.

"Not bad," she murmured.

"Can I choose this one?"

"It's your choice," Lillian replied indifferently.

Oscar went to pay.

"I'll pay for it," Lillian offered.

"No, thanks," Oscar said. "It's not expensive."

"Fine," Lillian conceded, a hint of annoyance lacing her voice. "You've never lacked for money. You have a rich family, and a rich wife."

Oscar remained silent and completed the transaction.

"Let's go," he said.

"I want to buy a bag," Lillian announced.

Oscar nodded, following closely as Lillian perused various handbags.

She presented several options, each time met with a simple, "It's nice," or "Very good."

"Oscar, don't dismiss me," Lillian said, her displeasure evident.

Oscar looked at her, unsure how to respond.

"Do you treat shopping with your wife so perfunctorily?" Lillian asked, a subconscious comparison to Hannah.

Oscar realized he rarely shopped with Hannah; their time together was limited, primarily focused on dinners. He hadn't spent much time accompanying her.

"Oscar! Are you listening?" Lillian exclaimed, irritated.

"I've never gone shopping with her," Oscar admitted.

Lillian was stunned.

"I don't know bags," Oscar explained, "But you look lovely in any bag you choose."

Her heart warmed at his words. She always found him sincere, though never glib. A pang of regret washed over her; What a pity we didn't meet sooner.

Oscar spent the entire afternoon with Lillian. She left the mall at 5:30 p.m., somewhat reluctantly.

Back at Collins Manor, Oscar immediately transferred to Rowan's car, heading towards what he knew was now inevitably a confrontation.