Anya hopped out of the cab and dashed into her bedroom, rummaging through her closet for her fanciest jewelry and designer bags.
Noticing the door was open, Naomi popped her head in, “Anya, what’s up? What are you looking for?”
Anya, looking a bit downcast, replied, “Aunt Naomi, I was searching for my priciest jewelry, but I realized I left it all at my place.”
Naomi, a bit puzzled, asked, “I’ve got some. What’s the occasion?”
“I’m picking Chad up from work. I need to look like a million bucks so everyone knows Chad’s girlfriend is not only rich but drop-dead gorgeous.”
Naomi was surprised since Anya wasn’t one to show off her wealth. Closing the door behind her, Naomi said, “Spill it, Anya. What’s going on? Maybe I can help.”
Anya, with a playful pout, said, “Chad hasn’t said anything, but I have a hunch someone’s trying to steal my thunder~”
Naomi perked up, “Alright then! Let’s doll you up!”
Naomi got to work, confident that no one could challenge Anya’s spot. Anya was the daughter-in-law Naomi had always dreamed of!
With Naomi’s help, Anya was already ahead before even stepping into the game. By six, she was stationed on Chad’s usual route home.
That day, Chad was leaving work with his colleagues Vincent and Lee.
Chad had stirred up the company’s dynamics the previous day, and now everyone was gossiping about Lee and Vincent’s daughters. Vincent was well aware Chad orchestrated this. Plus, rumors were swirling about Chad’s stunning girlfriend, who had boldly kissed him at the office entrance the previous day.
Chad invited them to dinner, teasing Lee, “Sean, come along. You’re Vincent’s right-hand man. If you don’t join us, I might just steal your spot in Vincent’s good books.”
Lee, anxious about his standing, was eager to maintain his position, which was crucial for his career.
Vincent was in a tough spot. If he invited only Chad, Lee might feel sidelined. But inviting Lee too would spark more chatter among the team.
After some thought, Vincent called them both, “Lee, go grab the car.”
And so, the trio headed out together.
As they exited, Chad was about to text Anya, but she was already there waiting, “Anya?”
Anya turned, spotting her boyfriend, while Vincent and Lee looked on, just as surprised.
Anya was dressed to the nines in a figure-hugging black dress, its hem brushing her ankles. Her heels sparkled with diamonds, and the dress accentuated her waist perfectly. Naomi had spent half an hour on Anya’s hair, then applied the final touches with makeup, ensuring she looked flawless.
Hansen, seeing her, couldn’t help but beam, “How did we get such a beautiful girl?”
Anya, a bit bashful, said, “Aunt Naomi, I feel like my shoulders are too bare.” She was wearing a dress with delicate straps.
Naomi reassured her, “Trust me, Chad won’t be able to take his eyes off you. Even if I didn’t raise Chad, I know him better than anyone.”
Before Anya left, Naomi handpicked her finest jewelry for Anya, nodding approvingly, “There, all set.”
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