The second floor was filled with boutique women''s clothing, luxury goods, and trendy styles, all at prices that were anything but cheap.


    Barbara watched as Mona headed straight for the first store, furning with frustration. She could never bring herself to shop there. The prices were outrageously high, even for her own clothes. "Mona. I remember that this shop''s clothes don''t really suit you Ler''s check out the store ahead. They have a lot of pink outfits that are new arrivals." Barbara suggested, purposely mentioning the pink outfits, which were Teddy''s favorite color and also what Mona used to wear often. It was one thing to mention pink, but as soon as Mona heard it, she was reminded of her ridiculous life in her past life. where even her clothing choices were meant to please others. She felt like she had no sense of self at all. "But Barbara, I really like the clothes in this store right now. I want to buy something from here," Mona insisted.


    After saying that, she dragged Ava into the store, leaving Barbara and Beatrice no choice but to follow.


    As soon as she walked in, Barbara saw Mona and Ava picking out clothes together. A troubling thought crossed her mind. Would Ava''s outfit end up costing my money?" While she was pondering this, Mona and Ava got out of the fitting room, both dressed in matching outfits and stood right in front of her.


    Barbara, do you think this outfit looks good on Ava and me?" Mona asked, forcing a smile.


    Barbara nced up and noticed the two of them in matching outfits, one in ck, one in white. Mona wore the white, Ava the ck. Both were tall and elegant, and the outfits looked especially striking on them. A flicker of jealousy shed in Barbara''s eyes, but she quickly Mona nced at herself in the mirror, satisfied, and nodded. "Yeah, I think they look fine. Let''s get them.


    changed her expression and said, "It''s great. But I still think Mona looks better in pink


    Hearing what Mona said, Barbara was practically furious. She had clearly meant "it''s great" as a polite way of saying it didn''t look good, yet Mona seemed oblivious and still wanted to buy it Is she doing it on purpose? Barbara thought The more she thought a about tit, the more convinced Barbara became that Mona was doing this on purpose. From the moment Mona brought Ava over to her house, it felt like Mona just wanted to spend her money. Barbara shot a a few cold nces at Mona, who pretended not to notice and happily continued to pick out clothes with Ava. After all, it wasn''t her money that was being spent


    As Mona and Ava tried on outfit after outfit, Beatrice grew anxious. She thought, ''How much would all these clothes cost?" She followed closely behind Mona, pointing out that one outfit was too dark and another too shy. None of them suited her. Eventually, Mona politely asked the sales associate to pack the clothes that Ava and she had tried on. Mona said, "I think they all look great. Barbara, you can pay now"


    After a moment of hesitation, Barbara still didn''t pay, her grip tightening around her credit card. She was reluctant to pay for Mona because she knew all those clothes would cost a fortune.


    "What''s wrong, Barbara? Didn''t you say you wanted to buy me same clothes? Are you backing out now? You should''ve said something earlier. I would have paid for myself. Now it''s just awkward, Mona remarked casually when Barbara remained silent for too long. At her words, the store staff turned to Barbara with knowing looks, as if to say, "Oh, so that''s how it is. She offered to buy, but now she''s reluctant to pay."


    Suddenly, Barbara could feel the contempt in the way everyone was looking at her. Their gazes were filled with disdain.


    Barbara wished she could shut Mona up, but this was a public ce, and she needed to maintain her dignity. "Of course I will pay. I just zoned out for a moment. I''ll be right there," she stammered.


    As soon as the words left her mouth, Barbara walked over to Mona, clutching her credit card tightly. When she saw the outfits they were holding, Barbara felt her teeth clench in frustration. "Ava, are you expecting me to pay for yours too?"


    If Barbara was asking that, Ava, who had any sense of dignity, would surely refuse.


    Barbara''s question, Ava nced at Mona. She didn''t mind spending a bit on clothes, but Mona had told her today that Barbara was paying. After all, Mona had spent so much money on her before.


    Hearing Barba


    Ava and Mona were close friends who shared everything from money to living arrangements. But if their rtionship soured, she would want to reim all the benefits she had givenConTEent bel0ngs to N?v(e)lD/rama(.)Org .


    Mona noticed Ava''s hesitation and bluntly said, "Barbara, it''s just the cost of a few outfits. Just pay remember I bought your friends something before"


    for


    Barbara had benefitted from Mona plenty of times, whether it was for shopping or meals. Each time, Mona was the one footing the bill. Now, asking Barbara to buy a few outfits for herself and Ava was hardly a big deal. "Right. I was just asking. Barbara replied awkwardly.


    Mona was s clearly trying to get her to pay today


    Barbara watched as half of her bnce disappeared from her credit card Teddy gave her this credit card, which she hesitated to spend herself. Yet here she was, giving it all to Mona


    After paying, Mona looked at the Thank y


    Mona looked at the bags in her hands and then at Barbara''s disgruntled expression, feeling particrly pleased as they exited the store. you for for shopping with us. We look forward to seeing you again, the staff said as they left. Barbara silently grumbled to herself, I''m nevering back again"


    Once outside, Mona led the three of them to a shoe store, specifically looking for designer brands, which made Barbara feel like she was about to explode.


    Just as she was about to intervene, Mona and the others had already stepped inside.


    Upon entering. Mona didn''t choose shoes for herself. Instead, she spotted the most expensive pair in the store and brought them to Barbara


    "Barbara, I think these shoes are stunning and would suit you perfectly. Just look at the diamonds. They shine so brightly They would match that gorgeous diamond dress of yours beautifully. I remember you love that dress, but you haven''t found the right shoes to go with it. This is perfect," Mona said, gazing mito Barbara''s eyes with sincere admiration To be honest, Barbara was indeed drawn to the shoes Mona held And what she said was true. She had a dress she loved that needed matching shoes. Maybe Mona did care about her after all


    But when Barbara smiled and epted the shoes from Mona, her smile faltered when she saw the price, 600 thousand dors That was just too expensive.