The Rich Ex-Wife Strikes Back

The Fancy Store

Alexander told me that he wouldn't be long and would return home as soon as his business in London was over. However, it's been a month since he left and there's no sign that he'll be back soon. Not that I'm waiting for him to return, not at all. It's just that it proves that he's not a man of his word. I knew enough already.

"So you're going to start work tomorrow?" Grandpa asked.

I just nodded in response. For a month, I was only at the mansion receiving every merchant who came to bring goods for me. Yeah, I don't like shopping at stores. I'd rather have the store brought directly to my house. I just need to look at each item on the tab and hear the explanation from my personal assistant, Miss Ailen, who will help me. And, if I like it, I got it.

"I've already spoken to Gerald so that your identity is well taken care of while working. So, you will be using your mother's surname. I'm sure you're familiar with it since you've been using it for the past three years."

I nodded again. "Yes, all right."

"Hubert will be your driver instead of Lorrie."

I, who had already finished my breakfast, placed my spoon and fork upright on the plate. "He'll just drive me to the bus stop. I'll be using cans and public transportation to work. It would look strange if a trainee employee was chauffeured to work."

"Do whatever you want. But, I'm permitting you only until your husband returns from London. After that, you'll learn from Alexander how to manage the company. Other than that, you can't hide anymore. Everyone must know your identity, that you are the main heir of one Dante Mourinho."

"Yes, I will do as you wish, Grandfather."

"So, what are your plans for today?"

After taking a sip of water and placing my glass on the table, I replied, "I'm going shopping for clothes and other things to wear to the office."

One of Grandpa's eyebrows rose. "Why don't you call Miss Ailen as usual?"

"No, it's nothing, I just wanted to experience the thrill of shopping in person. After all, I'll be buying items of slightly lower quality to make them look more appropriate for trainee employees to wear."

During my stay with Grandpa, I never used items with brands that many people are familiar with. I always wore limited edition items from super luxury brands that only a few people knew about and could afford. Even most of my clothes, bags, and shoes were specially made by famous designers. However, if I wore those items, I would stand out in the office, so it would definitely be easier for my coworkers to recognize me as the granddaughter of the company owner.

"Alright, Grandpa, I have to get ready before I go out shopping," I said goodbye to Grandpa before leaving the dining table in the garden, a dining table that was specifically used for breakfast.

**..**..

From Central Park where Hubert dropped me off, I decided to rent a bicycle. From 5th Avenue, I pedaled towards 62nd Street until I reached Madison Avenue, then turned onto 63rd Street, where one of the fashion houses produced leather goods, specifically bags, wallets, and luggage. I intended to buy a bag that I would use for work.

In front of the store, there were already several people waiting in line to get into the store. I parked my bicycle on the sidewalk of the street that did have a place for bicycle parking. Then I walked casually to join the line.

"Hey, you're waiting in line, huh?"

I turned to the blonde woman who had just arrived. "Yes, I'm in line."

She raised one eyebrow as she looked me up and down. "I'm ahead of you in line. Back up a bit."

I frowned. "How can that be, I'm clearly standing here first."

The brunette woman in line in front of me turned to the blonde woman. "I'm sure that woman didn't stand in line; how could someone who only rides a bicycle shop at a luxury store like this be like this."

"Are you talking about me?" I asked.

The brunette nodded while folding her arms in front of her chest. "Of course," she pointed at my rental bike, "That's your bike, isn't it? You should know nothing here costs a hundred dollars."

The blonde woman shook her hand in a gesture to get me out of line. "Commoners, you're better off at the flea market."

I rolled my eyes, then took two steps back to make room for the blonde woman. "If you don't want to stand in line, don't accuse others of not being able to afford to shop at this store. It's not that expensive."

"What did you just say?" She gave me a sharp look, trying to intimidate me.

I looked away as I took out my phone to swipe through the screens on social media, rather than engage her.

"Just look at that cheap phone, man. Don't dream you can get into this store!"

I stared at my cell phone, which was indeed the old cell phone that I brought from Boston, which was already two years old. I had already bought a brand-new cell phone, but since I was still comfortable with my old cell phone, I hadn't used the new one yet. However, I didn't know that the world was getting this judgmental. Riding a bicycle and using an old cell phone meant not being able to shop at fancy stores.

An employee from the store came out and approached the people in the queue one by one. Until it was my turn.

"I'm sorry, did you make an appointment beforehand? May I know your appointment time?" the clerk asked.

"Appointment?" I asked back.

"Yes, we only serve customers who have made an appointment in advance."

"Oh really? I don't know because it's usually my personal assistant who makes the booking."

The blonde woman in front of me laughed mockingly. "No need to make excuses; how could someone like you have a personal assistant? You don't even have a car."

The store clerk smiled at me, trying to be professional. "I'm sorry, but without an appointment, you're not shopping at our store."

I nodded slowly. "Alright, maybe I'll visit next time."

The clerk bowed to me briefly. "Yes, we look forward to your visit."

"Huh? She won't be visiting here. She won't even be able to buy the cheapest item in this shop after saving her entire salary for a year." the blonde woman said, making me quicken my pace to leave the place. I don't know what's wrong with her that she's so insistent on putting me down, even though we just met today and our main problem is the queue.