Chapter 172
Shane said, “I got this at the duty–free shop. It wasn’t expensive, so please don’t say no.”
“Thanks.” Valeria took it.
He then pulled out a box of face cream from his suitcase. The box was a little squashed, so he carefully smoothed it out before passing it to her. “One of my female colleagues in my team recommended this. She said it’s a brand women usually like.”
Valeria glanced at the Helena Rubinstein facial cream in her hands. This little jar cost close to one thousand dollars.
She hesitated, but Lucy quickly urged her to keep it.
By noon, Valeria started getting ready to head out to buy groceries for lunch.
After all, Shane had just gotten back. His first meal home should be something special. And besides, Lucy had always treated her and Selena well.
Shane mentioned, “Save the trouble. Let’s just dine outdoors.”
Lucy agreed. “Exactly. Cooking makes the kitchen all greasy. Let’s just head out.”
Valeria smiled faintly, saying, “I actually can cook pretty well.”
In high spirits, Lucy changed clothes and messaged her close friends to brag that Shane was
back.
Valeria brought Selena home to change. She dressed Selena up in a down jacket that made the little one look extremely adorable, while she wore a light–colored coat.
Shane ordered a ride, and they decided to walk around the mall first.
He asked Valeria what she wanted for lunch. Valeria glanced at Lucy, and they finally settled on barbeque–perfect for winter.
Midway through the meal, Valeria’s phone buzzed. It was an unfamiliar number,
She answered to hear Mallory’s voice.
Mallory asked whether Valeria was free the day after tomorrow, as Gabriella was having her final tour performance at the Slate City Grand Theatre.
Mallory sounded delighted as she brought up Gabriella. “You must know her. She’s the new
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face of Nirosian violinists and even trended online recently.
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“I’ve got a few tickets. Since Selena can’t walk yet, has your husband returned? I’ll give you two tickets. It’s just a little something for you to relax and have some fun.”
However, Valeria didn’t want to see Gabriella, so she came up with an excuse. “I’m busy that day. I have to deal with some work stuff…”
Mallory said, “That’s fine. I’ll send you the tickets anyway. If you can’t make it, give them to someone else.”
“…Alright, thank you.”
Mallory’s warm, persistent tone made it hard to turn her down completely.
After hanging up, Valeria suggested to Lucy, “My friend gave me two tickets for a violin concert. Maybe you and Shane could go for it?”
“I wouldn’t know how to enjoy myself. I’d probably fall asleep,” Lucy replied, waving her hand. “You should go with Shane. If you can’t make it, let him go. Don’t waste the tickets.”
After lunch, they stopped by the supermarket in the basement to get some daily essentials that Shane hadn’t brought back with him.
Valeria and Shane didn’t have much to talk about. After all, their short–lived marriage had been more about mutual convenience than love, and they had never been close. Their occasional contact was usually just him checking in on Lucy’s situation.
Lucy had once hoped they might rekindle something, but seeing how distant they still were, she had given up on the idea.
Valeria bought a bunch of stuff at the grocery store, grabbing some meat, fruits, and vegetables. As she had a large shopping bag, Shane carried it for her in the cab when they
headed back.
On the way back, he carried the bag in one hand and Selena in the other, which left Valeria a
tad bit embarrassed.
Trying to take the shopping bag from Shane, she explained, “Let me handle the shopping bag. If you carry it, it would be difficult for you.”
Shane was carrying Selena and the shopping bag at the same time, leaving her really guilty.
He shifted slightly to keep the bag. “It’s fine. I’ve got it.”
Lucy, still recovering her eyesight, held onto the stair railing and moved slowly. “Let him
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handle it. It’s nothing for a man.
“However, these stairs really are a pain. It would be nice if this building had an elevator.”
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Chapter 173
