The Gold I Married

Chapter Four

The sunlight streamed through the curtains, casting long streaks across her bedroom floor. She groaned, her hand reaching out to silence the alarm that had already gone off an hour ago. By the time Anna finally made it downstairs, the clinking of plates and muffled chatter greeted her.

The House helpers bustled about, clearing away what was left of breakfast from the dining room. A faint scent of freshly brewed coffee lingered in the air. She stopped midway, resting her hand on the staircase railing, and sighed.

“I guess I’m too late again to meet him. Isn’t that right?” Her voice carried a hint of bitterness, though she tried to mask it with indifference.

The head of staff, Mrs. Cora, turned to her and offered a polite bow. “Yes, ma’am. Good morning”

Anna raised an eyebrow, stifling a scoff. “Good morning? I don’t really think there’s anything good about the morning.” Without waiting for a response, she stepped into the dining area and waved her hand dismissively. “I’ll have breakfast.”

“Yes, ma’am,” Mrs. Cora said, motioning to one of the servers.

Anna sat at the head of the grand oak table, a tablet in one hand and a fork in the other. She scrolled mindlessly through social media, her expression a mix of boredom and disdain. Her breakfast, eggs, toast, and avocado lay half-eaten on the plate.

Once the meal was over, she drifted into the lounge, where a comedy show played on the massive TV screen. Laughter erupted from the speakers, but none of it was contagious. Still, Anna cackled hysterically, her laughter loud and almost theatrical.

The guards exchanged puzzled glances from their posts near the door. A few housekeepers paused in their tasks, shaking their heads discreetly.

Anna caught sight of their reactions and waved a hand dismissively. “What? Can’t a woman enjoy some humor in her own home?” She chuckled again, this time softer and more to herself, before abruptly turning off the TV. “I’m so bored,” she declared, rising from the plush couch. “I guess I’ll just have to go shopping again.”

She headed for the garage, where the sleek line of cars gleamed under the artificial lights. Just as she reached for the keys to her convertible, the driver, Jay, stepped forward.

“Apologies, ma’am,” Jay said with a practiced calmness. “The master insisted I take you wherever you’re going.”

Anna frowned, her perfectly arched brow twitching in irritation. “The master? Oh, how I wish i could just punch him in the face.”

Jay blinked, unsure how to respond. Anna let out a short, awkward laugh and tossed her hair over her shoulder. “Just a joke. Lighten up, Jay.” She handed over the keys and slid into the backseat of the Mercedes, her leather bag dangling from her arm.

The drive to the mall was uneventful, save for Anna’s occasional remarks about the traffic or the weather. When they arrived, she stepped out with her usual air of confidence.

The grand entrance of the luxury shopping mall welcomed her, the marble floors reflecting the glimmering chandeliers above.

Inside, she moved from store to store, her shopping spree beginning with designer handbags and moving on to jewelry, shoes, and a few extravagant pieces of clothing she wasn’t even sure she liked.

“Wrap it all up,” she said to the shop attendant, barely glancing at the growing pile of boxes behind the counter. She tilted her head toward Jay, who was already lugging several bags. “don’t look so miserable,” she teased as they exited one store and made their way to another. “Think of this as cardio.”

Anna walked into the next boutique, the scent of high-end perfume and polished wood welcoming her. The soft, upbeat music played in the background, adding to the aura of exclusivity. The shop attendant, a young woman with sharp features and a professional smile, greeted her immediately.

“Good afternoon, Miss Anna. How can I assist you today?” the attendant asked, her tone polite, almost rehearsed.

“I’m looking for something bold,” Anna said, her eyes scanning the display of luxurious dresses and accessories. “Something that screams ‘I own this place’ but doesn’t try too hard.”

The attendant raised an eyebrow, clearly used to Anna's precise demands. “I believe we have just the thing.” She led Anna toward a display of dresses in rich, dark hues, sophisticated but eye-catching.

As Anna inspected the clothing, she casually glanced toward Jay, who was standing by the entrance, already eyeing the assortment of bags and scarves with mild distaste.

“You look like you’re about to pass out from all the shopping, Jay,” she teased, her lips curling into a smirk. “Think you can handle a few more hours of this?”

Jay, though not particularly enthusiastic, chuckled lightly. “It’s all part of the job, ma’am.”

Anna’s smirk deepened. “I know, I know. But you do have to admit it’s a bit ridiculous. All this… luxury, and for what? To look good in front of people who don’t care.”

“Some people care, Miss Anna,” the attendant said, offering a polite, if unsure, smile as she presented a shimmering dress in a deep emerald. “You wear luxury with such grace; it’s a statement.”

“Right,” Anna replied, her voice a mix of amusement “I’ll try it on.”