This time, with Marcus cradling Matthew in his arms, Julieâs presence commanded attention, silencing the room upon her entry.
âJulie, whoâs this gentleman?â one of the assistants inquired, noting Marcusâ composed demeanor.
In a lowered, yet proud tone, Julie introduced Marcus, âThis is my son-in-law, Matthewâs father.
â
The assistant paused, visibly impressed.
âHe looks quite distinguished.
Seems familiar, too.
â
Julie managed a courteous yet insincere smile.
âHeâs recently returned from abroad.
Lifeâs been modest for him in Duefron.
â
This seemed to reassure the assistant, who perhaps felt that if Marcus was truly remarkable, he wouldnât opt for their modestly positioned brand for childrenâs clothing.
With this in mind, she
presented some of the storeâs priciest items, including a pair of limited edition shoes retailing for over four hundred dollars.
Typically, Julie would steer clear of such extravagant purchases.
âs BunnyBookery
However, with Matthewâs father present, she anticipated Marcus might indulge in a grand gesture of affluence.
To her surprise, Marcusâ approach was far from the lavish display she expected.
He meticulously tried different shoes on Matthew, carefully selecting garments as if managing a budget.
His careful.
consideration painted Marcus in a different light for Julie.
He seemed less the stereotypical affluent heir and more a devoted father, focused on the practicalities of comfort and suitability rather than mere luxury.
As Marcus removed his coat and attentively fitted shoes on Matthew, even ensuring the laces were tied into neat bowknots, his actions spoke of a man grounded in the realities of parenting.
He even sought Matthewâs opinion on the appearance and fit of the shoes, emphasizing the childâs comfort and preference over the prestige of expense.
For half an hour, Matthew busily tried on various outfits and shoes.
The shop assistant, growing restless, finally pressed, âAre you going to make a purchase?â
Marcus, having selected all the pieces that suited Matthew perfectly, affectionately ruffled the boyâs hair.
âWhich ones do you like best?â he inquired.
Clutching his chosen favorites, Matthew looked up at Marcus with a beaming smile, one that could warm the coldest of hearts.
With a soft smile, Marcus decided, âWeâll take these, then.
â
Rising, Marcus retrieved his phone from his coat and made a call.
âsylvia, Iâm at the Bellville Mall.
Could you come and settle the bill? Yes, I left my wallet behind in a rush.
â
The assistantâs expression soured at these words.
Just as she was on the brink of irritation, a colleague whispered urgently, âThat man might be the CEO of the Fowler Group.
His family owns this building.
â
Stunned, the shop assistant reconsidered Marcus, her attitude shifting dramatically.
Her surprise was palpable.
The CEO of the Fowler Group, known to have a partner, now appeared with a child.
Could this boy be his son?
The thought was electrifying.