Chapter 8: THE MALL

Their cars pulled up in front of the beautiful mall, the guards opened the door, and Julian alighted from the car first. Next to Astri, before his mum alighted, the press immediately bombarded them. Astrid covered her face and grabbed the hem of Julian's shirt like her life depended on it. "Mr Logan... How have you been coping since your wedding was ruined yesterday? "Mr. Logan, does this mean you broke up with your fiancée?" Different questions were thrown at him, but he refused to give repose to any. Julian gestured for his guards to stop them, and he immediately walked into the mall with the help of his guards and also pulled Astrid roughly with him. The moment they got inside, eyes turned to them, "Welcome,e Mr Logan..." The sales representative welcomed them, and Julian bobbed his head as they proceeded. "This way to the Vip section," they immediately led them there, and Julian found his way to his seat. " What can we get you? Mr... Log,n" the sales representative, ran toward them, aligning in a line. Becky moved forward, her hands caressing Astrid as she could tell she had tensed up, "I would like the best dresses you have here that would fit my daughter-in-law..." Becky told them, emphasizing the daughter-in-law for them to hear, they smiled and then pulled Astrid with them. "We would help in serving the right one for her si,e." One of the ladies gestured for Astrid to follow her and began taking her through the dress. Astrid is the type who is comfortable wearing a hoodie and pants. This made her not know the right dress to pick as she glanced through them. She would check out some dresses and return them since she didn't want to spend too much money. Then Astrid decided to gesture for the lady to come closer, "Is there a section where dresses are cheaper?" "Astrid dear..." She heard Becky's voice call her name from behind before she could complete her sentence. "You shouldn't get worried about the prices that badly. I will foot the bills," she let out a small smile, and then the lady taking her through smiled back at her. She decided to have some, so she didn't look that desperate. The dresses were worth millions, and she wasn't ready to waste money. She needs to find a way to make money so she can get the dresses she looks comfortable in. She was taken to the dressing room to fit her dresses, despite her still not having full trust in the dress after the lady's praises got so well. She finally picked some and then walked back to them, saying she was done. "And we are done here," But Becky sighed, staring at the little dress she had picked, "Dear... why aren't you picking a lot of.." "Ma... Mum, I wouldn't want to waste your money on unnecessary stuff; they are too expensive," she stated, and this left Julian in awe. No one sees a free chance and misuses it. "Then what are you comfortable with?" "I am so fine with this, mum." Julian felt a bit guilty because she had wanted to bring her things, but he stopped her. So he needed to cover that space. Despite how hard Astrid tried to get her to get more dresses, she refused, and then Astrid got other necessities before they found their way back to their car. But then Astrid's eyes caught on something, the normal hoodie and pants she looked so comfortable with. Hervl'svl's eyes pierced through them so that even Julian noticed where her gaze was. Only then did he understand something: "You should leave. I will meet you guys in the car," he stated. He signaled for the sales representative to come further and pointed at Astrid as they walked out of the mall with his mum. He didn't miss the little murmurs coming from the ladies, and most of them were hurling dirty words at Astrid. "The lady over there, I want every hoodie, shirt, and jeans on that rack in her size. "Really?" Julian glared at her, and she quickly swallowed hard, finding her way to the rack and stuffing them out. By the time she was done, the mall basket was so full, it was packed for him, and he paid the bills. The guards helped in carrying the bags, and he couldn't help but be worried about how he could get this many gifts for her. When he got out of their car, he saw Becky and Astrid standing outside. This time I was there. His guards had managed to get them out, "Why the heck did you..." Becky was out of words seeing the number of bags her son had with him. "Who owns them?" He rolled his eyes as they stacked them in the trunk of a car. "I got them for my girl," Astrid felt a piercing pain pierce through her heart. Julian had said that he wouldn't get teasing words from his mum. He had had enough trying to think himself deeper on why he had gotten this for someone, but he wouldn't want his mum rubbing salt on it. "Well, I should leave from here while you go home with your wife," Julian glared at his mum, and Astridd gulped nervously. "Your flight for your honeymoon is set to leave tonight." "Mum, I still haven't accepted going with her." Becky moved closer to him, gently whispering in his ear "You still want to get the inheritance, don't you?" Julian's eyes widened at this. "Mum," he called, shocked, and Becky gave him a wry smile. "Do everything I say and it's going to be yours," Becky moved closer to Astrid and then placed a lovely kiss on her cheek. "You can tell me he acts as a douchebag to you," Astrid cast her a small smile and then bid her farewell. Julian was more than furious with the threat his mum had just shot his way. He had worked his butt off assisting his dad in the business world and helping it reach the best target audience, but now his mum is trying to ruin his hard wor,k all because of the lady standing before him. "Get in the other car," he instructed Astrid as he watched his mum's car drive away. Without another word, Astrid ran to another car like he wished and got in. He felt guilty, but recalling what his mum had just said, he didn't feel guilty eating him up. Astrid had brought this upon herself by getting married to him. He also got into the car, and then they drove home, the moment they alighted from the car. Mattie rushed down to him and kissed him, "I miss you so much," she whispered. This immediately fueled his anger; if not for AStride, he would be spending the best time with her. "How was the shopping? Did you get anything for me?" Astrid lowered her head, recalling the amount of stuff he had gotten. On the other hand, Julian recalled he didn't even think of getting Mattie a gift, so he lied to cover up his mistake. "Well, I didn't, n'tt but... trust me, I will treat you the best during our honeymoon," She squinted. He, Gazee, and Astrid decided to walk inside after this. "How? But I can't go..." Julian placed his index finger on her lips. "I would take care of it," he pulled gently toward him as Astrid peeked from inside, a bit jealous of what she saw. "You wouldn't want me getting furious all through the visit, would you?" Mattie let out a proud smile. "Thanks a lot, babe, I would have the best time of my life," she announced as they found themselves inside the mansion.