I Quit the Night His Eyes Healed

Chapter 5

"If this is your first designer bag, these are probably the styles I'd recommend most," I said as I guided Maya toward the display shelves. "The Classic Flap is timeless, the 2.55 has a more vintage feel, the Le Boy is a little edgier, and the Gabrielle is great if you want something versatile."

I reached toward another shelf nearby.

"This collection's also really popular right now. The hardware comes in different finishes besides the standard gold and silver, and there are brushed metal options too. Some customers also love the crystal clasp editions because they feel a little more elevated without being too flashy..."

I barely finished the sentence before Quinn cut me off with an impatient laugh.

"She grew up in some tiny town. Do you seriously think she cares about any of that? Just grab her something basic. Consider it my good deed for the day."

Her smile turned sharp as she reached up and tilted Maya's chin with one finger.

"No matter how hard you try, you're never really going to fit into this world."

I quietly lowered my gaze and pretended not to notice.

Maya, meanwhile, didn't react at all.

"Thanks."

Quinn's expression immediately twisted.

"You..."

Something about the entire scene suddenly felt weirdly familiar, but before I could place it, another set of footsteps sounded near the entrance.

The first thing I noticed was a pair of polished black dress shoes crossing the marble floor.

Then Liam walked in.

His black suit fit perfectly, sharp enough to look effortless, and the damp strands of hair falling across his forehead made it obvious it was raining outside. Water still clung to his fingers as he casually grabbed a tissue from the counter and wiped his hand dry.

"You're still shopping?"

The second I heard his voice, my stomach dropped.

Right.

This was one of the major scenes from the original story.

The fake heiress humiliates the real heiress, then the male lead shows up and saves her.

Classic romance novel setup.

Quinn immediately softened her expression.

"We're almost done."

Then she smiled sweetly and walked closer to him.

"Why don't you help me pick one? Which bag do you think looks best on me?"

"Ask the SA," Liam replied casually. "I don't know anything about handbags."

His eyes drifted toward me absentmindedly.

Then he stopped walking.

For one terrifying second, the entire boutique felt silent.

His gaze stayed fixed on me far longer than it should have, steady and intense enough to make my nerves spike instantly.

The longer he looked at me, the lower I instinctively lowered my head.

"How are you supposed to help customers if you won't even look up?"

Liam started walking directly toward me.

It's fine.

There's no way he recognizes me.

He never saw my face before. Acting nervous would only make things worse.

I forced myself to calm down, then looked up and gave him a polite smile.

For a split second, he looked stunned.

"Personally, I'd recommend this style because it works really well for both everyday wear and formal events..."

"What's your name?"

Liam interrupted me before I could finish.

"Isabelle," I answered smoothly. "You can call me Isabelle."

"I'm asking for your real name."

Before I could respond, Quinn hurried over and grabbed his sleeve tightly.

"Liam."

The warning in her voice was immediate.

"I suddenly don't feel like shopping anymore. Let's just go somewhere else, okay?"

Liam frowned slightly and pulled his arm free.

The interruption distracted him just long enough for him to stop pressing me for answers.

Meanwhile, Quinn already looked seconds away from bursting into tears.

I quietly exhaled in relief.

But just as they reached the door, Liam suddenly turned back around.

"This is the bag you recommended?"

"Yes, sir."

"I'll take it."

My hands moved automatically as I wrapped the handbag carefully. Regardless of everything else, the sale still counted toward my commission.

"Would you like to take it with you today, or should we have it delivered to the address on file?"

Liam looked at me for a moment before the corners of his mouth slowly lifted.

When he smiled, he somehow became even more unfairly attractive.

"It's for you."

I blinked in confusion.

"Sorry?"

"The bag," he repeated patiently. "I'm giving it to you."

For a second, I genuinely thought I'd misheard him.

"Isabelle," he said softly, "I hope you like it."

Even after they left the boutique, my brain still felt completely scrambled.

Quinn shot me a vicious glare before walking out the door, and an awful feeling settled heavily in my chest.

And Liam suddenly buying me a bag?

There was no way that was random.

Had he recognized me?

But how? He'd never seen my face before. Could someone really recognize another person just from their voice?

Zara hurried over the second they left, her expression openly jealous.

"Nora, do you know that guy? Seriously, you are insanely lucky."

At the exact same moment, I blurted out, "Zara, I think I need to quit."

Her eyes widened.

"What? Why would you quit? You literally just made a huge sale yesterday."

I bit my lip, unable to explain the real reason.

Thankfully, Zara didn't push further.

"At least wait until tomorrow. The regional director's visiting."

"Okay," I agreed quickly.

Unfortunately, the next day brought an even bigger disaster.

"The Bennett Group specifically requested you as a personal secretary," the store manager said excitedly. "Nora, this is an incredible opportunity."

My entire body went cold.

Bennett Group.

No way.

I clung desperately to the tiniest shred of hope left.

"The executive who requested me..." I hesitated. "Was it Liam?"