The Reclaimed Rose (Annalise and Steven) novel Chapter 316

Zane replied without hesitation, "It's around 450 thousand dollars, I think?"

I frowned. "Isn't it wasteful to buy such an expensive dress for just one event?"

Zane met my eyes. "This is my girlfriend's first dress for attending an event with me. Don't you think that's worth remembering?"

After a long look, I said, "You're quite the comedian."

Zane stepped closer. "I know that you were careful with money when you were with Steven because of his startup's financial pressure. You worried spending too much would affect his company's operations, so you stayed frugal.

"But Annalise, my company is substantial. Even if you spend more, I can easily provide for you. You don't need to save money for my sake." He took my hand as he spoke.

"But we're not really dating," I pointed out.

He then answered smoothly, "To make others believe we're together, we need to act like a normal couple. If not, they'll see through us eventually."

Confused, I asked, "What should we do then?"

Zane's tone was persuasive. "Simple. Just treat me like your boyfriend."

Even if I played along with this relationship, I could not spend his money recklessly. After all, even my substantial salary from last month wouldn't cover one dress.

After careful thought, I replied, "Don't buy me such expensive things anymore, Steven will know we're fake if you do."

Zane was puzzled. "Why?"

I explained, "Given my personality, I'd want to return your gifts. If they're too expensive, I can't afford to get you gifts for about the same price, so I wouldn't accept them."