Chapter 11: chapter 11
Summer glanced at her reflection as the driver eased the car into the private driveway of Maison Fiorella. Her fingers brushed her silk blouse absentmindedly, her thoughts only half on the shopping trip ahead.
There was something comforting about the rhythm of her life now—luxury, control, and the knowledge that she would never again be the girl easily discarded.
As the valet opened her door, she stepped out gracefully, her heels clicking softly against polished marble.
"Welcome, Miss Bellani." The store manager offered a polite bow. "Your private suite is ready."
"Thank you," she responded with a gentle nod, removing her sunglasses.
The staff scrambled efficiently, pulling the latest collections—nothing flashy, but each piece whispered class, old money, and quiet superiority.
While waiting for the selections, Summer casually opened her stock app. A slight smile tugged at her lips as she watched the numbers climb steadily. Another trade well-placed.
> Sham Sham: Passive income credited: €14,000. Consistent performance detected.
Hmn. She locked the screen. Money was just another form of reassurance now.
"Miss Bellani," her stylist returned, "would you prefer coffee or tea while you browse?"
"Vanilla oat latte," she replied softly. "Thank you."
She was slipping out of her jacket when faint voices echoed from the boutique entrance. Something about it felt... familiar. Her hand paused mid-motion.
"I told you, anything you like, I'll get for you," the male voice said. Steady, gentle. A voice she once knew better than her own heartbeat.
Summer's gaze sharpened. Slowly, she shifted the curtain of the fitting suite just enough to glance toward the entrance.
Standing there was Eric De Luca. Polished as ever, in a tailored dark blazer. And beside him—leaning close, her expression carefully timid—was Ciara.
For a brief second, it felt as if the air thinned.
although she new they were together in her past life she just didnt expect them to have gotten together by this time .
Eric's hand rested on Ciara's lower back, guiding her gently toward the display of jewelry. His gestures were thoughtful, protective—even tender.
The same gestures he used to reserve for her.
Summer's expression didn't change. Her fingers closed the curtain slowly, without a word. Her heartbeat was steady.
She didn't feel anger.
Not even sadness.
Just a quiet sort of clarity.
---
When she stepped out moments later, she did so in a champagne silk dress with a subtle side slit, her posture straight, each step measured.
Her presence was unmistakable.
Eric caught sight of her first. His expression stiffened—just briefly—but he composed himself quickly, adjusting his cuff as if nothing was amiss.
Ciara followed his gaze. Her smile faltered, replaced by something smaller, tighter. Her fingers gripped the fabric of her sleeve, but she quickly lowered her gaze like someone caught out of place.
Summer walked past them without slowing. Her heels made no noise—silent but noticeable.
The store assistant hurried to her. "Miss Bellani, would you like this piece held for you?"
"Wrap it up. Also, pull the new collection for pre-orders. Deliver to the Bellani estate," she instructed quietly.
"Yes, of course."
It was only after securing the order that she allowed herself a glance in their direction, her gaze polite but distant. "What a coincidence," she said simply, voice light, devoid of warmth.
Eric adjusted his stance. "Summer... it's been a while."
She offered a smile that didn't reach her eyes. "Yes... quite."
There was a pause. One heavy enough that even the staff subtly avoided looking toward them.
Ciara finally murmured, "Summer... I didn't realize you were here..."
Summer tilted her head slightly, offering a look that was neither cold nor kind—just distant. "Then perhaps you should ask before entering places that aren't meant for you."
Ciara flinched, fingers curling into her palm. "This is a public store..."
"Is it?" Summer's tone was mild, but the subtle implication wasn't lost on anyone. Her gaze drifted lazily toward the boutique manager, who instantly stiffened.
"Miss Bellani's suite is, of course, private. Apologies for any disturbance."
Eric cleared his throat. "Summer, we didn't come here to cause anything..."
"I didn't suggest you did," she interrupted softly. "There's no need to explain. After all..." Her eyes lowered briefly to where Ciara clung to him. "Some things speak for themselves."
The silence that followed was suffocating.
Summer turned, her fingers brushing down the side of her dress as if dismissing dust. "That's all. Have a good day."
Without sparing them another glance, she walked to the register where her assistant had already prepared her packages.
"Send everything to the estate. Charge to the usual account," Summer said, retrieving her clutch.
"Yes, Miss Bellani."
She exited without looking back.
---
Outside, as the valet brought her car around, her phone buzzed.
> Sham Sham: Task Complete – Silent Supremacy. Reward: 'Composure' Passive Unlocked. +1 Charm, +1 Pressure Aura in Social Encounters.
She slid into the car, leaned her head back against the leather, and let out a quiet breath.
The driver asked, "Miss, home?"
She thought for a moment. "No... take me to the flower market."
She wasn't sure why. Maybe because in this life—this second chance—she was determined to fill her surroundings with things that made her feel alive.