The Unveiled Rose
Chapter 114

Steven whispered to Jessica, "You should go ahead and look around. I just spotted someone I know, so I'm going to say hi. I'll come back and pay for it." Jessica was too focused on the jewelry display. "Sure."

Steven headed upstairs.

...

Staring at the wall of ties, I thought it through.

Zane usually wore classic black suits. Lots of ties would work, but knowing his style...

I settled on a deep navy blue and reached for it to pay.

"Pick another color. I don't like that one."

I turned, only to replace Steven standing there, grinning.

What did his preferences have to do with anything? It was not even for him.

I gave him a weird look before heading to checkout. "How much?"

"That will be 160 dollars," the cashier said with a smile.

It was pricey but affordable for me. I pulled out my card to pay.

The cashier wrapped it up and handed me the bag.

I then thanked her before making a quick exit.

Steven's smile widened as he watched Annalise walk away.

Did she really think picking a color he hated would throw him off? He knew it was for him.

After their divorce, Annalise had gotten quite adorable.

Steven was practically beaming. Now, he just had to wait and see what excuse Annalise would come up with to give him the tie.

...

With Zane's gift sorted, it was time to shop for Willow's.

There were all sorts of dainty dresses in the kids' section. Imagining how Willow would look in them, I could not resist grabbing a few for her. I also got her some workout clothes.

After paying, I checked my balance. I had less than ten grand left. It would be enough for a nice dinner with them, and I still would have some leftover money. With that thought in mind, I headed back to the office with bags in my hands. Zane looked up when he heard the door opening. He saw the shopping bags I was holding. "What'd you get?"

"I got some clothes for Willow." As I spoke, I set the bags on the couch. Then, I took out the tie and brought it to him. "And this is for you."

Surprised, he asked, "For me?"

"Of course!" I nodded. "To thank you both for everything lately."

Zane stared at the tie for a long moment before asking, "Would you mind tying it for me?"

I was shocked. "Don't you know how to tie a tie?"

I walked to his side.

He shook his head. "No. I usually just get them pre-tied at the store. I only slip them on when needed."

I could not help laughing at the image. "That's practical indeed."

He loosened his current tie. "So, Annalise..."

I opened the box of the new tie and draped it around his neck. Then, I adjusted the length before tying it around his neck. "Yeah?"

His voice became low and alluring. "Would you tie my ties from now on?"

"Sure," I said easily, finishing the knot and fixing his collar.