Novel Square
TREAT YOU
The sunlight began to dim, replaced by golden shimmering clouds as the day turned to evening. Kimberly hurriedly organized the scattered papers on her work desk. Glancing at her phone screen on top of the printer, she saw two messages from her friends.
Keyra: [Hurry! If you take too long, I’ll leave without you.]
Alex: [Come on, Kimberly. Keyra and I have been waiting for you in the car.]
Kimberly took a deep breath. “Ah, it’s this late, and Mr. Ice still hasn’t gone home. Don’t tell me he’s working overtime.”
Not long after, the man they had been waiting for finally emerged from the room. Kimberly quickly approached him.
“Mister, are you heading home?” Kimberly asked eagerly.
“Hmm…”
“Well, in that case, I’m going to say goodbye and leave. See you tomorrow, Mister.”
“Kimmy, I…” Nicholas began, but Kimberly left him hanging, quickly walking away before he could finish his sentence. The man could only shake his head at his secretary’s behavior.
In a boutique at a shopping center, Kimberly was assisted by her two friends as they busily sifted through and selected dresses she might wear tomorrow. She tried on each one with enthusiasm, all recommended by the store assistant.
Don’t think her handsome boss would be buying her a dress after yesterday’s mistaken message incident. Kimberly’s life wasn’t as romantic as the novels you often read on online platforms, where the male lead secretly sends beautiful dresses to the woman’s address.
No, Nicholas wasn’t like the character you might imagine. It should also be noted that Nicholas wasn’t the type of man who was “sensitive” to such trivial matters. Let’s reiterate, he wasn’t a “sensitive” man.
“Kimmy, this dress looks nice,” Keyra said, pointing to a sleeveless Midi Dress with a ballerina model.
“This one is also nice, Kimmy.” Now it was Alex’s turn to suggest, presenting an off-shoulder dress in a salmon color with a cocktail-style bottom.
“Why is this so difficult?” Kimberly sighed. “If I were Mr. Nicholas, I should be the one buying you a dress. Moreover, he already received your message saying you’re having trouble choosing a dress,” Alex commented.
“A true gentleman should do that. Unfortunately, Mr. Ice seems heartless,” Keyra added.
Kimberly sighed again. “Stop your chatter, I’ll try on all the dresses you’ve picked.”
Five minutes in the fitting room, Kimberly emerged wearing one of the dresses her friends had chosen. Now both of them looked confused about which dress to choose for tomorrow. Typical women.
“I think the off-shoulder dress is better,” Alex suggested.
Keyra shook her head. “But that exposes Kimberly’s neck and shoulders too much, making her look too sexy.”
“That’s exactly what should be emphasized. Kimberly shouldn’t just look sexy but elegant,” Alex argued.
Meanwhile, the main character herself was even more confused, especially because her two friends weren’t helping; instead, they were debating and defending their respective dress choices.ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .
“So which one should I buy?”
“Of course, the one you’re wearing right now, young lady.”
A deep voice interrupted their discussion. Kimberly, who knew that baritone voice all too well, sighed in annoyance and deliberately chose not to respond.
“No, come on, Mario. Why are you like a devil who always follows me everywhere, huh?” Kimberly complained.
A smile appeared on the man’s face, though it was unclear whether it was sincere or mocking. “Isn’t it fated for us to always meet? You’re the one who’s been avoiding me all this time, right? How much longer do we have to play cat and mouse like this, Kimberly Rayder?”
Kimberly waved her hand as if telling Mario to leave her presence.
“Stop your nonsense. Just tell Opa. I will never, ever agree to get engaged to you. It’s better for you to leave right now.”
Now, the man wasn’t just smiling but also laughing. “Don’t let Opa Arthur find out your whereabouts directly. I can’t guarantee you’ll stay this free.”
“That’s why I said, keep your mouth shut. Stop bothering me. You’re wealthy enough to find a woman prettier than me, right?”
Mario shook his head dramatically. “Unfortunately, I only want you to be Mrs. Wolfe.”
“Oh my, you’re dreaming too high. I will never marry you, no matter what. Now, I beg you, please leave.”
“Alright, I’ll go. Someday, you’ll look for me and ask for my help. I’m sure of it.”
Following Kimberly’s earlier request, Mario finally chose to leave. It was countless how many times Kimberly had rejected his presence. However, there was no surrender in Mario until he could bring Kimberly back to his house. Yes, his actual home.
“I’m really wondering why you won’t just accept Mario’s proposal. He’s very handsome and Nick,” Keyra asked.
Kimberly sighed. “If you like him so much, you can be his girlfriend!”
“Of course, I would, Kimmy. You can set me up with Mario.” Alex shook his head at the antics of his two friends.
“So, which dress should I buy?” Kimberly asked again.
“Just buy both,” Alex suggested.
“But I don’t have enough money to buy both, Lex.”
“Don’t worry, I’ll treat you today. Consider it an effort to help you get closer to Mr. Nicholas.”
Alex’s sincere words made Kimberly’s eyes widen in surprise. “Are you serious about paying for the dress? No hidden agenda, right?”
Alex smirked, “You have no sense of gratitude. Alright, go to the cashier now. After that, we can all go out for dinner.”
“Alright, boss!”