“Why are you arguing with him?”
Magnus took a deep breath as his steps finally slowed. For a moment he looked like he might turn back. But Isabel tightened her grip and quickly pulled him toward the car.
“Let’s go.”
She guided him inside before rushing to the other side of the car herself, afraid he might suddenly change his mind and go back to the auction hall.
Her heart pounded with anxiety until he finally sat down.
Only then did she release a breath of relief.
“Let’s go,” she told the driver. “Upper East Side. Madison Avenue and 72nd Street. The store is called Annette’s Atelier.”
The driver gave a short nod and immediately started the car. The vehicle pulled smoothly into traffic and began moving through the busy city streets.
Magnus sat back in his seat, staring out the window, his expression distant.
Beside him, Isabel quickly opened her handbag and pulled out her tablet.
She tapped the screen and brought up several pictures of dresses she had saved earlier.
Then she turned the screen toward him.
“Magnus, look,” she said brightly, forcing a cheerful smile onto her face. “Don’t you think I’ll look beautiful in this dress?”
She began flipping through the images.
“Which one do you like the most? You like red, right? What if I wear this one?”
She zoomed in on the picture and held the tablet closer to his face.
“Can you imagine how beautiful I’ll look? I think this one suits me best.”
She kept smiling brightly, trying desperately to get his attention.
Magnus gave a low hum in response.
“Mm.”
But his voice was dull and distracted. He barely glanced at the screen before nodding absent-mindedly..
And with every second that passed—
Isabel’s frustration grew stronger.
“Sir, we are here,” the driver said as the car came to a gentle stop.
Isabel blinked and looked out the window.
“Oh… we’re here already?” she said in mild surprise. “That was quick.”
She slipped the tablet back into her bag and opened the car door, stepping out onto the sidewalk. Then she turned toward Magnus—
Only to realize he hadn’t moved an inch.
He was still sitting in the same position, staring ahead with a dark expression on his face.
A confused frown appeared on her face.
