Lara and Samantha were strolling in a huge mall, looking for the right shop to buy a dress for the gala.

Samantha was also in the mood to buy something new, so she had asked Nate to give her his golden credit card.

?I will guard your mate with all I've got in exchange for a pair of dresses,? she had said. ?And I will convince her to accept the present from you without making up weird excuses like you did last time.?

At those words, he had accepted without a second of thought.

Just like that Samantha could spend on his account...

?What do you think about this shop?? Lara asked.

She had purposely avoided cheap places because she knew it was a glamorous event. Yet, she didn't want to buy a high-end dress. Something elegant and proper would have been enough.

?Lara... You're not going to a cocktail party,? Samantha said. ?It's a charity gala. People attend those only to show their wealth. No one actually cares about the charity. The tickets cost thousands of dollars, but no one bats an eye because they have enough to buy the whole hall if they want. It's a place filled with not-so-handsome CEOs and billionaires trying to look even more exclusive than usual. If your dress is normal... If it's not the most exquisite among those we see today, you risk attracting attention.?

?What?? Lara chuckled.

?Simple clothes will attract all the attention. Moreover, you will appear at Nathaniel Woods's arm. Can you imagine what kind of news that will be? Every single pair of eyes will be on you. They will look for anything they can comment on, and your dress will be just the first of their gossip.?

Samantha averted her eyes, looking at the floor while feigning concern.

?What will people think if Nate's woman has a plain dress? That he's stingy and doesn't care??

Her words seemed to have done their part since Lara nodded and followed Samantha's guidance. They went to another shop, one Lara wouldn't have even glanced at. The dresses there were too expensive, even just for staring. She couldn't afford to drool in front of the window, let alone to buy anything from there - not even the cheapest thing.

?I don't want to be that kind of woman,? she said, though. ?I don't want to leech on Nate.?

?Why not??

?Because I have my own job, and I can pay for my things.?

?Can you pay for one of these dresses??

?No.?

?So??

?I don't need anything I can't pay for, Samantha. I want to keep my relationship with Nate free from... sponsorship? I don't want to accept gifts from him.?

?Why not?? Samantha repeated. ?Nate isn't doing this expecting something in return; you do know that, right??historical

?I know, but...?

?But? I really don't understand the problem. He wants to cover you in gifts, and I can understand his wish. I mean, I would do the same with my mate if only there was a chance.?

?It would be like a business exchange, Samantha.?

?No! It's just how Nate shows he cares about you. He's too inexperienced to come up with other ways... Even with the pups, haven't you noticed? He hasn't been there for years, and he thinks he can recuperate some of that time by buying things.?

?We don't need that, though.?

?I know, Lara. And Nate knows, too! He doesn't want to buy the kids. He doesn't want to pay you back for anything. It's just that he wants the best for the three of you. The best he can provide... Just like you want for the pups.?

Lara's expression wavered as she moved her eyes to the sea of beautiful dresses. It was so tempting to just accept.

?Scarlet is the only one, among the three of you, to have taken things in the right way,? Samantha commented. ?She accepts Nate's spoiling and continues growling at him.?

?That's not fair either,? Lara pointed out.

?See? You're too focused on giving back every single kind gesture you receive. But don't! Be kind to Nate just because you want to, not because he is to you.?

?I'm the one being unfair, maybe,? she realised. Not Scarlet.

?That's right. You shouldn't consider things like these a favour, by the way. It's just part of your role: you have to be even more beautiful during a gala so that your kids can brag about how pretty their mommy is.?

?I don't need so much convincing, Samantha. I'm not one of the twins...?

?Oh, sorry. I just got used to it, I guess,? she chuckled. ?They would instantly turn obedient every time I mentioned you. I'm looking forward to spending some time with them on Friday...?

?You're very kind as well.?

?Oh, don't start! I'm doing it because I'm selfish. First of all, I will collect this favour from Nate and not you. And, secondly, I love spending time with my niece and nephew.?

?Because they're cute??

?Oh, well, pretty much.?

?They can be more troublesome than cute, believe me.?

?But they're not when their aunt is there.?

?I'm not sure it will last long. Sooner or later, they won't feel shy with you anymore. Just like with Nate. They stopped being calm with him, you know? Now, they're pretty much... natural??

?It's a good sign, isn't it??

?Definitely. I'm so happy they're accepting him, slowly but still...?

?And how are things going on your end? Are you accepting Nate as well??

?I've never...?

?Oh, don't say that. You're always on guard and refuse his kindness. You're not accepting him yet, even if you're pretending to. You two are dating, for goodness! Let him spoil you rotten while it lasts. Aunty always says that men do their best during courtship and the first months together. You shouldn't waste this chance.?

?I'm fine without all of that, Samantha. It's the feelings that matter, isn't it??

?Oh,? she scoffed. ?I can't believe it. You're unbelievable.?

Lara chuckled.. Yet, she didn't dare refuse the dress any further.