Chapter 12\u00a0<\/p>\n
1\/3\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 12\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna reached the third floor. The red carpet swallowed the sound of her footsteps, the space seemingly so empty, as if it had been looted clean.\u00a0<\/p>\n
There were fewer gowns here than on the second floor, but the quality was exceptionally high-end and radiated a luxurious\u00a0<\/p>\n
aura.\u00a0<\/p>\n
As she looked around, she noticed only four people were present there. Perhaps they didn\u2019t want outsiders to witness their melodramatic love triangle.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The store manager, Nancy Mitchell, hovered near them, serving them with utmost deference.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melody held up a moon-white gown and waved it in front of Clayton. Her voice was so sweet that it felt like honey was dripping out.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat do you think of this one, Clay? Is it too plain?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIt looks nice.\u201d Clayton gave a simple comment as he leaned against the couch.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This scene in front of Sienna struck her as painfully ironic. Clayton had never gone on a shopping trip with her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Whenever she tried on some new outfits, his responses had always been more or less the same.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHideous.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cUgly as hell.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAre you running out of clothes to wear?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cCan you have some better taste?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHow about you just don\u2019t wear it at all?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
When it came to his lover, he seemed to be so much more indulgent. Even if Melody put on a burlap sack, he\u2019d still say it looked good on her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Miles was there, cheering Melody on. He picked out a cherry-pink evening gown and said, \u201cMelody, this one looks good too!\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThen I\u2019ll try all of them on. You guys can help me decide later.\u201d She turned around and saw Sienna, her smile instantly frozen on her lips.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy are you here, Sienna?\u201d she asked.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cDo you own the store?\u201d Sienna walked over with a big smile. \u201cOr should I ask-did Mr. Hale already buy this entire store just for you and turn it into your own little gilded cage?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melody bit her lips. \u201cN-No, that\u2019s not what I meant.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIgnore her. She\u2019s always been like this. She can\u2019t stand seeing other people being happy. Just pick what you like.\u201d Miles tried to comfort Melody.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clayton stood up and walked over to Sienna, his brows drawn tight. \u201cMom told you to come?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Her eyes curved as she smiled, her words becoming as sharp as needles.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYup, all thanks to Mom. I\u2019m also lucky enough to witness the live action version of \u201cThe Daily Lives of the Bitch and the Simp \u2018 in person.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clayton\u2019s gaze turned dark in an instant. \u201cDid you not have enough spice yesterday? Why are you so feisty?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna ignored him and walked straight to the display rack, her eyes eventually locking down on a strapless red dress with its hem shaped like a fish tail.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThis one\u2019s pretty. I\u2019ll take it.\u201d She stepped closer and touched the fabric.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 12\u00a0<\/p>\n
2\/3\u00a0<\/p>\n
Nancy caught on and hurried over. \u201cYou have such great taste! This is FINY\u2019s latest limited-edition dress in the spring collection-one of a kind.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAnd this shade of red suits your fair skin perfectly. Would you like to try it on?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWait a second!\u201d Melody suddenly squeezed in, her face forcing an apologetic smile.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cSorry, Sienna. But I called dibs on this.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna raised her brow. \u201cWhat are you? A hyena? Do you only snatch what already belongs to the others?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNo, really. I only put it aside. I haven\u2019t gotten to try it yet.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Miles chimed in and said, \u201cI can vouch for her. She did pick out several dresses to try them all on together.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Clayton\u2019s gaze hovered between the red dress and Sienna. After two seconds of silence, he said, \u201cThis doesn\u2019t suit you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Of course, he would say that.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It was exactly the answer Sienna expected from him.\u00a0<\/p>\n
He had never stood on her side once, especially when it came to picking between Sienna and Melody.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Back in high school, Sienna once playfully asked Clayton, \u201cIf you were to pick between Melody and me, who would you pick?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMelody,\u201d he replied without hesitation.\u00a0<\/p>\n
After that, she stopped clinging to him and drew a clear boundary between them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The news of Clayton and Melody dating spread like wildfire across their school campus.\u00a0<\/p>\n
They were like the perfect male and female leads straight out of a novel.\u00a0<\/p>\n
This was the moment Sienna realized that she was the one holding the script of an antagonistic female supporting character. She was only being used as a tool.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She lowered her gaze as her long lashes hid her emotions. When she looked up again, she was smiling.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAlright, then. Since Mr. Hale has already spoken, I have nothing else to say. You can take whatever you want, Ms. Foster.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
It was always about Clayton. He could feel his vein in his temple twitching upon hearing that.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melody smugly took the red dress away from Sienna, looking like a triumphant winner, as if the dress wasn\u2019t the only thing\u00a0<\/p>\n
she won.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Nancy quickly followed her to the fitting room and whispered, \u201cMs. Foster, to be honest, the measurement of this dress might not suit you. It might be too tight.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhat?\u201d Melody shot her a cold glare. \u201cYou thought it suited Sienna so much just now, but not me?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYour bust is two inches larger, and your waist is about three and a half inches wider,\u201d Nancy said as she gestured cautiously. \u201cI\u2019m just concerned for your comfort.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThat\u2019s none of your business. My figure is way better than hers!\u201d Melody flung open the curtain and went into the fitting\u00a0<\/p>\n
room.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cNow go find me a pair of matching shoes.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna stood there, unmoving. Clayton looked at her and asked, \u201cAre you not going to pick another one?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cMind your own business, Mr. Hale.\u201d Her tone sounded cold and distant.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Miles mocked, \u201cAre you afraid that Melody is going to outshine you? Not choosing now, huh?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYes, I\u2019m absolutely terrified,\u201d Sienna said as she brushed aside a strand of hair on her forehead. \u201cWhy should I compare\u00a0<\/p>\n
Chapter 12\u00a0<\/p>\n
myself with a cheap knockoff? Am I in a rush to drop my value?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before Miles could say anything, a soft cry came from inside the fitting room. \u201cClay, can you come in and help me? The zipper on the back wouldn\u2019t close.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Nancy was already long gone, looking for shoes to match Melody\u2019s dress. The vast floor now held only the four of them.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melody called out twice again, but Clayton still wasn\u2019t moving. Miles nudged him anxiously.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cHey, Clayton. Melody is calling you.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cAw, Clayton\u2019s shy,\u201d Sienna said mockingly as she watched this whole scene unfold in amusement.\u00a0<\/p>\n
3\/3\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIf it weren\u2019t for you third-wheeling here, he\u2019d probably already be in the fitting room having some fun with Ms. Foster by now. Why don\u2019t you two play rock-paper-scissors to decide-\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Before she could finish her sentence, Clayton shoved her toward the fitting room. \u201cYou. Go in and help her.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy me?\u201d Sienna pried his hand away. \u201cWhy don\u2019t you go in instead? What a great opportunity.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019ll wipe out the car repair fee you owe me.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cYou really do know how to splurge a ton of money on a pretty lady like her,\u201d Sienna mocked and tilted her head aside, slowly walking out.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cIs it because of me that you\u2019re embarrassed? I\u2019ll see myself out. Please, go on ahead.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Not even a few steps in, Clayton dragged Sienna back again and gently pushed her inside, causing her to stumble into the fitting room.\u00a0<\/p>\n
The first thing she saw when she looked up was the smooth, fair skin on Melody\u2019s back. Both of her hands were struggling to reach the zipper behind her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna hesitated, but still decided to walk up to her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Two million dollars wasn\u2019t exactly a large sum, but coming from a cheapskate like Clayton, he would definitely make Sienna pay the repair fee.\u00a0<\/p>\n
If they got divorced, it would save her from a lot of financial trouble and clear out some of her debts as well.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna steadied Melody\u2019s back, grabbed the zipper, and pulled it upward.\u00a0<\/p>\n
It was really hard to close the zipper, and it got jammed halfway.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cThanks, Clay. I knew you\u2019d come and help me.\u201d Melody placed her hand over Sienna\u2019s, thinking it was Clayton.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna\u2019s mouth twitched a little, slapping her hand away like swatting a mosquito. \u201cAre you insane? Are you trying to take advantage of me?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melody turned around in shock, her face turning completely pale. \u201cWhy are you here?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cWhy can\u2019t it be me? Are you nitpicking now?\u201d Sienna pressed firmly against her back and yanked the zipper up in one go.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melody sharply inhaled a mouthful of air, her chest seemingly about to burst out of the dress.\u00a0<\/p>\n
Sienna gave Melody a good look, and the dress obviously looked a little too tight on her.\u00a0<\/p>\n
With a trace of a smile flickering in Sienna\u2019s eyes, she said, \u201cThe dress does look very nice, but don\u2019t you feel uncomfortable in it? Why not let me wear it instead?\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Melody forcefully tugged the dress upward, looking all prideful. \u201cYou\u2019re just jealous because you don\u2019t get to wear it, aren\u2019t you? I\u2019m wearing this one.\u201d\u00a0<\/p>\n
Hearing what she said, Sienna\u2019s smile became increasingly deeper.\u00a0<\/p>\n
\u201cFine. Wear it all you want,\u201d Sienna thought to herself.\u00a0<\/p>\n
She got the divorce and bolted 12 Chapter 12\u00a0 1\/3\u00a0 Chapter 12\u00a0 Sienna reached the third floor. The red carpet […]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"site-sidebar-layout":"default","site-content-layout":"","ast-site-content-layout":"default","site-content-style":"default","site-sidebar-style":"default","ast-global-header-display":"","ast-banner-title-visibility":"","ast-main-header-display":"","ast-hfb-above-header-display":"","ast-hfb-below-header-display":"","ast-hfb-mobile-header-display":"","site-post-title":"","ast-breadcrumbs-content":"","ast-featured-img":"","footer-sml-layout":"","ast-disable-related-posts":"","theme-transparent-header-meta":"","adv-header-id-meta":"","stick-header-meta":"","header-above-stick-meta":"","header-main-stick-meta":"","header-below-stick-meta":"","astra-migrate-meta-layouts":"default","ast-page-background-enabled":"default","ast-page-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-5)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"ast-content-background-meta":{"desktop":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"tablet":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""},"mobile":{"background-color":"var(--ast-global-color-4)","background-image":"","background-repeat":"repeat","background-position":"center center","background-size":"auto","background-attachment":"scroll","background-type":"","background-media":"","overlay-type":"","overlay-color":"","overlay-opacity":"","overlay-gradient":""}},"footnotes":""},"categories":[27],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-20086","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-she-got-the-divorce-and-bolted-novel"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20086","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=20086"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/20086\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=20086"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=20086"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/kezpres.xyz\/novelreading\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=20086"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}