Margaux Swan

"You two have a pleasant time; I will meet you, both at the dorm," said the violet-haired girl and walked away, before I could say anything to her.

Ella had written a lot about her friend a lot.

She and her family gave her a normalcy I had never been able to give her.

I feel bad seeing her leaving. I wanted to thank her, but also grateful that I will be able to spend some alone time with my daughter.

…

Ella Swan

I watched Magda leave and couldn't help, but feel bad.

We are inseparable, but now she left to give me some alone time with Mom.

"Let's go. We have only a few hours and a lot of things to do," said Mom and walked toward the black carriage, which had the flags of the city of Greltheavena and the velvet garden.

Click!

The driver opened the door for us, and we stepped inside.

The carriage is a luxury one and feels better than the one Magda's parents have.

"What do you do, mother?" I asked as the carriage began to move.

Mother didn't tell me much about her job. Other than saying, she didn't sleep with people anymore.

Maybe I should ask around, but I didn't listen much to anything that was happening around me.

My only source of information about current affairs is Magda and her information most of the time is gossip.

"I told you, dear; I am in charge of things that happen in the background. My responsibilities lie in managing the girls," she replied, smiling.

"It's like a Madam?" I asked. "Kind of," she replied, with a smile.

"Enough about me. Tell me about yourself. How is school? Your studies? Do you have a boyfriend?" she asked one question after another while taking my hand in hers.

Her eyes are inquisitive. She wants to know everything.

"School is good. I only have one exam remaining in this academic year. I have prepared for it and won't have a problem in clearing it," I replied.

There is one more thing, but I am debating whether to tell or not.

Telling her would be useless; it's not like we can afford it, despite her new standing.

"And boyfriend?" she asked, and a face appeared in front of me. I pushed it away quickly.

"No boyfriend, mom; I want to focus on my studies first," I replied.

"It's good you are focusing on your studies, dear, but don't always stay in your dorm. Enjoy the life a little," she said.

"I am, Mom," I replied exasperatedly. It's not the first time she has said something like this; she always says this in her letters.

We talked for a few minutes when the carriage stopped.

"We are there," said Mom and I was about to ask, where we were when the door opened, and I saw the familiar building.

"Come out, dear," said Mother as she got out. I nodded and stepped out hesitantly.

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We are in front of Charles; one of the best stores in Inam. I have come here a few times with Magda, but never really brought anything.

It's far too expensive. Magda tried a few times to buy me something, but I declined.

I was watching a beautiful building when Mother took my arms and we walked toward the store.

Many people stared at her.

She was beautiful before, but now had become even more beautiful. Like a blinding sun.

Soon, we entered the store through the glass door.

The store is huge, five stories tall. They sell everything here clothes, accessories, make-up and other things.

Every time, I came here. I couldn't help but admire it.

I turned to my mother and, to my surprise. There is no admiration or awe in her eyes.

I was looking at her when I noticed someone coming toward us. A middle-aged man and a beautiful raven-haired woman, looking to be in her late twenties.

I was surprised to see the man. I know him, Magda had said, he is the proprietor of the store.

"Miss Swan, welcome to Charles," said the with a fawning smile as he stopped in front of us.

"Thank you. Mr. Lance," replied Mom, and the man's expression lit up.

"Chief asked us, to show you, our best collection only. It might not be as good as the one in Eva Cain, but it's very good," he said, while I watched in shock.

The last time I saw him. He was rudely talking to someone and now he is fawning over my mom.

The man turned to me, and a purple card appeared in his hand.

"The chief asked me to give you this young miss. This is our most exclusive membership card; you can use it in any of our stores," he said, handing me the card.

I took the purple card with a shaking hand and saw my name on it.

I am shocked in my heart.

I know the memberships of this store; Magda's mother has, but hers is the second level, while this is the fourth level, the top one.

She had told me how hard it is to get it. You need to be someone important. There are not over a hundred people in the city who have it.

Now, I have become one of them.

"Thank you," I said hesitantly.

"Mina, here is our best sales staff. She will show you our best collection," he said, introducing the beautiful raven-haired woman beside him.

He talked with Mom for a minute more before leaving us with Mina.

She led us to the sixth floor of the elevator and into a beautiful private viewing room and sat us in the most comfortable chairs, before bringing the dresses.

So beautiful that even Magda would feel jealous. She definitely would.

Whenever she sees people, wearing beautiful clothes.

"Go, try them, dear," said Mom. "They are very expensive, Mom," I said nervously. They are expensive. So much, so that there is no tag on them.

Mom smiled at hearing that.

"You do not have to worry about that, dear," she replied.

"The dresses are free, miss. The chief had said, it would be her gift to you," added Mina.

This is a collection that is not open to the public yet. It will be sold next month if what Magda said is right and she is telling me everything is free.

There was barely any change in Mom's face hearing that.

"Choose any dress you want and don't worry Miss Eva won't be angry if you choose everything," said Mom, while the saleswoman smiled nervously at that.

It's a joke.

I chose the first dress. The black dress and went to the changing room, before coming out.

"It looks beautiful, dear," said Mom, and it does. It fits me perfectly and would be suitable for any formal occasion.

Seeing myself in it, a smile couldn't help, but appear on my face.

"Try another, dear." She said, and I did, and then another. One by one, I begin to try many dresses. There seemed to be never the end of them.

There will always be more dresses to try.

I finally stopped, and we immediately moved to the shoes. The shoes are just as beautiful as the dresses.

"We have to go to the academy soon, Mom, before the visiting hours end," I said as the woman removed another pair of shoes from my feet.

She sighed.

"Which pairs do you want?" she asked a moment later. "The green and red one," I replied.

A few minutes later, we were walking out of the store with three dresses and two pairs of shoes.

"I wanted to buy you everything, but there is no time," she said with regret. "It's fine, Mom, this is already more than enough," I replied, and it is.

"They will do for now; I will buy you more stuff when you come to the Grelthaven," she said and I couldn't help, but become surprised.

"Are you finally allowing me to come visit you?" I asked, and she smiled.

"It is a wonderful city. You will love it," she said. I smiled joyfully.

Finally, I will be able to spend days with my mother.

Soon, we were in the carriage, and a few minutes later. It reached the academy.

I was about to ask the driver to stop and took out the visiting card Magda helped me get when I saw the carriage directly entering the academy.

The guards didn't even stop it. They let it pass through without even checking it.

I looked at my mother with a question, but she simply smiled.

Soon, the carriage stopped, and we got out. I begin to show my mom the academy. From the classrooms too to the library to the garden where I like to study.

People would look at us whenever we go. Some openly, some covertly.

Mom seemed used to it. Seeing, she barely batted an eye.

Finally, we walked into my dorm building, where everyone began to look at us. Some looked surprised, while some looked confused.

Well, to them, I am an orphan girl who hangs around with Magda. I didn't have any friends or talk to any people.

Click!

Soon we reached the third floor and stepped inside my room, and I finally felt relieved.