Seeing Tailsa's stunned expression, James, fearing she wouldn't believe him, tried to explain further, "The last time I saw my mom, that's exactly how she walked, and she was dressed similarly."
Though Tailsa didn't believe him, she picked up on a key point in his words.
"Where did your mom go?" she asked.
"I don't know, it was a long time ago," James replied, shrugging slightly.
"..."
Studying James, Tailsa saw no signs of deceit, and hesitantly asked, "So you're from a single-parent family?"
"No," James smiled.
Relieved, Tailsa guessed that maybe his dad remarried, and it was a blended family. She refrained from asking more, not wanting James to think she was too nosy.
If their relationship stabilized, she figured she'd learn more naturally over time. No need to rush.
James also didn't feel like broadcasting his orphan status. Seeing Tailsa drop the subject, he chose not to say more.
Both of them fell into a moment of silence.
James pulled out his phone to see where their ride was. To his annoyance, the phone froze.
"Damn, what a piece of junk," he muttered.
Curious, Tailsa asked, "Why are you using that phone?"
It was something she'd been wanting to ask for a while.
From their first meeting, she'd noticed James used one of the cheapest phonesâan old model, clearly well-used.
Initially, she'd suspected he might be financially struggling. But as he began spending lavishly, she came to believe he was wealthy.
Engrossed in his spending spree, she'd forgotten to ask. Now, hearing his grumble, Tailsa finally posed the question.
Embarrassed, James replied, "It's a cheap phone. If I lose it, I won't mind."
Tailsa eyed him skeptically, suspecting it might be a gift from an ex, hence his reluctance to part with it.
How could a man who nonchalantly spent over three million on a car be troubled by a phone costing a fraction of that?
He could afford to lose one every day for a year.
"If you don't mind, then just toss it," she teased.
"Uh... why throw it away when it still works?"
James was reluctant to get rid of it.
Sure, it lagged, but it functioned. Buying a new one would cost a few hundred dollars, money that could multiply tenfold in his account.
Better to wait for the system rebate before buying a new one.
Seeing his hesitation, Tailsa became even more convinced of her theory.
Her frustration grew at the thought of him clinging to memories of an ex, but she dared not grab and toss the phone.
Resigned, she folded her arms and turned her back on him, pouting.
James, puzzled, wondered why she was upset again. Hadn't his mom excuse worked?
Gently, he grasped Tailsa's shoulders to face him, asking, "What's wrong, Tailsa?"
"I don't want to talk to you," she replied, still pouting and looking away.
"Why not? Can you give me a hint?" James asked with a smile.
Even angry, a pretty girl looked endearing, impossible to be upset with.
"My phone," Tailsa said, glaring at the device with annoyance.
"What about it?"
Presuming she was just impatient, James checked, "The app says the driver's only a kilometer away, almost here."
Tailsa shrugged off his hands, coolly stating, "You know what I mean, don't change the subject."
"???"
James gave her a bewildered look, not understanding.
"Stop pretending!" Tailsa huffed, brows furrowed, voice firm.
"Uh, can you give me another clue?" James asked cautiously.
Tailsa fell silent.
She believed James was trying to dodge the issue. Annoyed by his attachment to an old phone possibly linked to an ex, her jealousy flared.
Yet confronting him directly might make things worse; strong insistence could backfire.
With a sigh, she chose not to press further, thinking it wise to let it go.
After all, a loyal man wasn't badâat least he wouldn't stray in the future.
"Ding-ding!"
The car arrived just then.
When James took Tailsa's hand, she only pretended to resist before letting him hold it.
James thought she wasn't that angry and laughed apologetically,
"Let's talk in the car, it's too hot out here."
With a stoic expression, Tailsa followed James into the vehicle, silent.
The chauffeur, wearing white gloves, courteously closed the door and reminded them to fasten their seatbelts, offering them bottled water.
Inside, the air conditioning was refreshing and pleasant.
James thanked the driver politely, secured Tailsa's seatbelt, then snuggled closer, continuing to sweet-talk her:
"Don't be mad, baby. If you have any requests, just say so, and I'll do my best."
"Easy for you to say," Tailsa replied, her tone tinged with grievance.
He was obviously unwilling, but pretending to be generous. What a jerk.
"Give it a try. How would I know otherwise?" he coaxed.
In the chilled air, being close to Tailsa felt less stifling than outside.
Now in a semi-private space, James couldn't help but get handsy, arm draped over her, free hand lightly caressing.
The driver, understanding the situation, adjusted the rearview mirror upward and kept quiet.
The car drove smoothly along.
Blushing, Tailsa resisted weakly, clasping James's wandering hand.
"You told me to say it, remember," she whispered.
"Go on," he encouraged.
Glancing at his phone, she pondered briefly before voicing her thoughts,
"How about I get you the latest iPhone? You'd have to promise to only use the phone I give you, deal?"
"???"
"???"
Not only was James stunned, but also the driver.
What was this?
A gigolo?
And such a remarkable one at that?
Earlier, the driver had thought the sulking beauty and the attentive guy were typical goddess and simp.
Unexpectedly, it was a goddess and gigolo duo?
Unable to resist, he checked the rearview mirror, seeking a glimpse of this intriguing man, only to be thwarted by his earlier adjustmentânow just seeing the ceiling.
He sighed in resignation.
What a catch, but fated to be someone else's.
He almost wanted to stomp the gas and throw the guy out.
James, thrilled by Tailsa's offer to buy him an iPhone, was overjoyed.
He'd coveted that model for a long time.
Previously, during his bout with that demanding gold-diggerâalways broke for gifts or stuck needing makeup to appearâshe'd frequently needed comforting cash for minor ailments.
Each seasonal tea drink was a must-have for her, costing him tens of thousands over the years without realizing.
He hadn't tallied up the exact amount, but his savings never grew; her attitude merely warmed with each paycheck.
As if bewitched, he kept falling for her sweet yet empty words.
Still, James held no regrets.
Life often requires a few lessons, and what was spent was the tuition fee.
Better than marrying her and enduring lifelong torment, James was relieved his pockets saved him from further entanglement.
Now, look at Tailsa.
Not only was she beautiful, but also obedient, sensible, and considerate.
Seeing him frustrated with his sluggish phone, she wanted to buy him a new one.
James admired Tailsa, growing more fond by the second.
"You're so lovely," he gushed, leaning in for a kiss.
Tailsa pushed back, resisting lightly, "Not until you agree to my request."
"I promiseâI'll only use the phone you get me," James said earnestly.
"That's better," Tailsa replied smugly, wrapping her arms around his neck, her eyes shimmering with warmth and affection.
She leaned in to offer her lips, sealing their agreement.