Her gaze drifted across the showroom until it settled on an elderly couple standing at another display counter. The woman was examining a diamond necklace—three delicate layers set with small rubies that caught the light whenever she moved.
"What do you think, hon?" the woman asked her husband.
He was busy on the phone, responding only with an absent hum.
Raven studied the necklace for a moment, then offered the woman a polite smile.
"It's beautiful," she said gently. "But I think the sapphire one might suit you even better."
The woman turned to her with interest.
"Oh?"
"Yes." Raven pointed toward another piece in the display. "That one."
The salesman assisting the couple lifted the necklace from the case.
"This design is part of a collaboration with a famous painter," he explained.
Raven leaned slightly closer to look.
"It resembles Ustad Mansur's style," she said with quiet excitement. "And look—there's a tiny lotus charm hidden in the design."
The woman tried it on.
"Hon, this looks lovely on you," her husband said after finally ending his call.
"We'll take this one."
They paid and left.
A few minutes later, Aidan returned.
"Raven, what did you choose?"
He looked toward the display counter, where the salesman was carefully packing away several pieces.
"Did Madam not like any of those?" Aidan asked.
Raven opened her mouth to explain.
"Um—"
But before she could finish, the salesman from earlier waved Aidan over.
"Sir," he said enthusiastically, "Madam has selected three pieces."
"I'm not with him," the other woman said, clearing up the misunderstanding.
The salesman froze, then pressed his lips together awkwardly.
"Sorry, sir."
Aidan clicked his tongue in mild irritation before walking back to Raven.
"What were you doing all this time?" he asked, taking a seat beside her.
He gestured subtly to the nearby salesman.
"Bring the pieces here."
"Madam, you were looking at the Ustad Mansur collection earlier. There is another set. Would you like to see?" The saleswoman presented another piece of necklace which looked heavier and more expensive than the previous one.
"Set that aside then." Aidan said, "I said something that goes with her outfit."
"Are you buying for me?" Raven, astonished, immediately reacted, "No, I don't need anything. I can't afford these." She whispered.
"You don't have to pay." Aidan said, skimming through the catalogues, he pointed at a locket, "Do you have this one?"
"Yes, sir." The saleswoman smiled.
"No, stop. I don't want anything." Raven stormed out.
Aidan rolled his eyes, playing with his tongue and handed a card at the billing counter and a business card, "You can deliver this, right?"
"Sure, sir." The salesman nodded.
"I want that jade bracelet now."
Aidan grabbed the bracelet and rushed out.