"Stefan, it's a pleasure to see you...AS ALWAYS." The beautiful woman cooed in an Italian accent looking at Lilly challengingly as she kissed Stefan on both of his cheeks staking her claim-making Lilly's heartache.
"Mia, it's good to see you " Stefan replied as he smiled at her greeting his old friend.
"Ah, you brought... a friend...your latest mistress?" Mia asked in a perfectly innocent tone despite her cruel and mocking glare at Lilly that Stefan didn't see.
"No, this is Lilly she's my ...Lilly," Stefan said unsure how to describe
his relationship to Lilly," Lilly this is Mia, she's an old friend and the manager of this center," Stefan said introducing the two women who stared at each other assessing each other's flaws.
"Oh Stefan we are much more than just old friends," Mia said innocently as she smiled at him and Stefan thinking she meant they were like family simply replied, " Of course."
"Pleased to meet you, Mia," Lilly finally said trying to remain polite and not show how hurt she was despite how her heart ached.
"The pleasure is all mine, Lilith, any guest of Stefan's is a welcomed guest here of course, may I show you around?" Mia said trying to take charge.
"It's Lilly Mia and that won't be necessary I will show Lilly around, after all, it is my shopping center." Lilly smiled at Stefan, grateful for him putting Mia in her place and then suddenly what he said sunk in.
"Your shopping center?" Lilly asked in awe.
"Yes...I am a billionaire remember?" Stefan laughed at Lilly's stunned expression, "This was actually one of the original small business that I bought with the sale of my ancestral estates that I built from the ground up, it started off as just small shop." Stefan said proudly his complete focus on Lilly and not Mia much to Mia's anger.
"Wow, that's really impressive and this place it's beautiful," Lilly said as she looked around the center taking in it's elegant white and glass theme, gold detailing, waterfalls, soft lighting, comfortable seating and designer shops.
"Not as beautiful as you ..." Stefan said as he slowly made his way towards Lilly intending to kiss her,
"You really should get moving Stefan, clearly Lilith has never been to a shopping center as high class as this before or I bet stepped foot into a designer store before, never mind being able to buy some of the expensive things and class they offer. She must be dying to explore you shouldn't keep her waiting." Mia said stepping in between Lilly and Stefan draping herself over his arm as she looked at Lilly's high street clothes with disgust and pointedly made reference to the fact she knew Lilly wasn't rich and thought
she wasn't high-class material.
Stefan oblivious to Mia's spitefulness assumed she was unintentionally being rude and was just about to highlight her 'accidental' rudeness when Lilly no longer able to bite her tongue interjected: "You are right Mia, I have never been to a shopping center so exquisite or classy as this one, I doubt many have since you have done such a marvelous job Stefan with this center I bet very few can match its splendor." Lilly said smiling at Stefan who smiled back at her adoringly much to Mia's fury. " You are also correct Mia that I have never shopped in a designer shop before as I never had the money to do so and whilst I am curious to look at the items they have for sale my mother raised me to believe that class was something you couldn't buy- you either have it or you don't," Lilly said pointedly making it clear she thought Mia's petty actions were unclassy and Marcus and Aiden held back their amusement at Lilly's witty come back and Mia's look of outrage whilst Stefan smiled at both women oblivious of the unfriendly undertone of their
conversation.
"Anyway as you said, Mia, I am dying to explore so it was nice to meet you...oh and it's LILLY." Lilly said turning her back on her and dismissing the spiteful woman, " Stefan would you be so kind as to give me a tour now I would love to hear about the history of the center before we shop." Lilly said smiling at him.
"Of course my angel anything for you." Stefan held out his arm and Lilly accepted as they walked ahead leaving an open-mouthed Mia staring at their backs with hatred.
"There that's the whole history of the place I must have bored you Ridgid," Stefan laughed as he put his arm around Lilly.
"Not at all I love learning anything I can about you, everything you've
achieved here it's so impressive I love how you named the center after your mother to that's very sweet," Lilly said in a sincere tone making Stefan smile at her kind nature.
"Anyway, let's get you some clothes, shall we? you'll be pleased to know that not all the shops are expensive designer shops there are high street stores too as you requested we can go there first, but afterward, would you permit me to buy you the cocktail dresses and evening dresses for our events later this week?" Stefan asked as he led her towards the direction of the high street shops.
"Okay it's a deal, but after that, we are finding a Mac Donald's or somewhere equally as cheap and greasy so I can buy you lunch." Lilly countered making Stefan laugh freely- much to the shock of Aiden and Marcus who stared at Stefan in bewilderment as they followed him and Lilly closely.
After spending near two hours in the high street shops buying everything from socks to a coat and arguing with Stefan who kept piling everything into the trolley that Lilly accidentally let her eyes linger on in appreciation, insistent that he was buying them for her much to Lilly's annoyance, Lilly and Stefan finally left the shop with Stefans escorts carrying the mountains of shopping bags behind them.
"I said I was sorry, come on angel smile." Stefan teased poking Lilly who scowled at him.
"No means no Stefan, you need to learn that!" Lilly chastened him but she couldn't keep her scowl or annoyed tone as Stefan gave her one of his devilishly handsome smiles.
"I am sorry Lilly but I saw you liked them and I couldn't resist, I want to give you everything you ever want you deserve nothing less and besides
Biliionare remember - money is no object." Stefan said as he reached for her hand and Lilly pulled it away and turned to look him in the eye needing to speak her mind and be heard," Stefan whilst I appreciate money is no object to you it is too me. You just spent more than my yearly salary and in that shop and whilst I realize that might seem like loose change to you it's a lot of money to me and I am not a materialistic person and I can't help but feel guilty about spending all that money on something as frivolous as lots of clothes to stay fashionable when there are people in the world who are in desperate need of that money for much more important things. "Stefan
smiled at her in understanding, "I appreciate you were trying to be nice but
I don't need or want you to buy me things to do that... I am not one of your string of previous mistresses interested in your money - I like you for just being you and there are things in the world more important to me than money." Lilly said hoping he heard her message loud and clear and not wanting him to see her as Mia said as one of his previous gold-digging mistresses.
"Lilly, I know your not a gold digger and I know there are things more important to you than money and that's what I am going to prove to you
later today when I reveal my surprise. I promise I will try and not be so
carefree when I spend money on you in the future and will only spend it on important things or romantic gestures that have meaning and are thoughtful does that sound like an agreeable compromise?" Stefan asked.
"I would rather you didn't spend money on me at all but since I know that's never going to happen I will compromise and accept your terms." Lilly sighed.
"Great, but for now let's go and get you a few ridiculously expensive dresses that are at least the same price as a house since your high street clothes cost your yearly salary that to me seems like a reasonable budget to spend on designer dresses." Stefan teased and Lilly walloped him on the arm "Ouch be careful or you'll bruise me and have to kiss me better." Stefan teased as he led her towards the most expensive designer store in the center making Lilly giggle and Marcus, Aiden, and the rest of his security detail stare at him and Lilly in complete shock at seeing their Boss so carefree and...happy.
Stefan much to Lilly's annoyment wasn't joking about the prices of the dresses Lilly discovered as she almost had a heart attack reading the price tags on the back of the dresses, but they were shopping in Gucci and the dresses admittedly were dazzling, so what did she expect?
Lilly admired the dresses the store had displayed in delight, the dresses were so gorgeous they even appealed to someone like her who wasn't usually so materialistic, if Lilly had the money she would buy them all! "See any you like?" Stefan asked
"I mean...a few are okay, I guess if I am forced to choose three I probably could," Lilly said casually trying not to give away just how much
she loved the dresses out of fear Stefan would buy them all.
Stefan, however, noticed the delight in her eyes as she looked at every single dress and looked at her in amusement knowing she loved them all but was trying not to get him to spend his money on her, "Well since I am forcing you to chose three and you aren't really interested in the dresses but are kind enough to do it for me as I requested, we might be in here a while so I will go and get the manager to bring us a bottle of champagne and a seat for me whilst you force yourself to chose, excuse me a moment." Stefan said as he kissed her on the cheek and then went to speak the manager playing along with Lilly's ploy.
Lilly nodded before he left, as she agreed they might be here a while as she really couldn't choose between all the gorgeous dresses and once Stefan kissed her on the cheek much to her glee Lilly focused her attention on trying to narrow now her choices.
"Mr. Marconi Sir, what an honor to have you in store, how may I be of service today?" The store manager asked as she bowed her head respectfully.
"That woman over there is my ..." Stefan paused for a brief moment trying to think of the right words, the store manager knew Stefan only as a rich businessman and the owner of the shopping center and knew nothing of his criminal dealings and he didn't want to make her suspicious by describing Lilly as 'his collateral he had become fond of' or he may have to kill her, but he didn't want to describe Lilly as his friend either as when a rich man went shopping with a beautiful woman he called 'his friend' every one assumed the woman was his mistress or an escort and Lilly didn't deserve her reputation to be besmirched in such a way; So he finally decided on the right word, wishing with all his heart that it could be true. "That woman is
my girlfriend, see that she gets everything she wants and the best service you offer," Stefan demanded in a voice stiff with authority making the store manager tense. Stefan sighed before he remembered what Lilly asked of him technically it only specifically referred to his household staff but he was sure Lilly would appreciate the gesture just the same and he didn't want the Store managers fear to ruin this experience for Lilly so he tried his best to soften his expression and added "Please."
The Store manager blinked a few times caught off guard by Stefan's manners before she smiled at him kindly and bowed her head " Of course Mr. Marconi, I will serve your girlfriend personally and I will make sure she feels right at home in the store, May I offer you both some
refreshments?"
Stefan ordered a bottle of their most expensive champagne and arrange for a comfortable chair to be brought over and he rejoined Lilly who had whittled the options down to five dresses.
"Lilly this is the store manager she will be serving you personally to ensure you receive the best service and assist you with anything you need," Stefan said introducing the store manager who curtsied to Lilly.
"It's a pleasure to meet you and my pleasure to serve you, Miss." The manager said lowering her eyes respectfully.
Lilly smiled warmly at the store manager and said in her usual kind voice that made the manager look up," The pleasure is all mine, thank you for welcoming me into your wonderful store. I don't need to be served like some sort of master." Lilly laughed kindly making the woman smile" but your expertise and opinion would be appreciated if you have time to offer them, admittedly I have never worn anything as... grand as these dresses and I am a bit out of my depth here." Lilly said in a friendly manner making
the manager instantly warm to Lilly.
"Of course, anything I can do to help miss."
"Please call me Lilly, and what was your name?"
The manager again blinked in shock no one who ever shopped here cared enough to know the 'help's' names, "it's Grace."
"Well, Grace thank you for taking the time to help me. I need three dresses, two cocktail dresses and one evening dress suitable for a ball I have chosen these five so far as options what do you think?" Lilly asked smiling at Grace who returned Lilly's smile with genuine warmth instead of her usual
professional smile she reserved for rude customers.
"I think they are spectacular choices Miss... sorry... Lilly, they will compliment your figure, features, and tone well. Shall we try them on?" Grace asked enthusiastically. Lilly looked over her shoulder at Stefan to see if he minded and he smiled and nodded for her to go-ahead so Lilly and Grace went into the changing room giggling away whilst the dresses were wheeled into behind them.
It took just over an hour but they had finally chosen three dresses with matching bags, shoes, and jewelry. Lilly had refused to come out and show
Stefan the dresses despite his numerous attempts of begging and bribery to get her too as she decided she wanted to wait until the events to surprise him and Stefan had finally relented- he would after all do almost anything for her.
After Lilly wished Grace and the staff a fond farewell and Stefan paid for the goods along with a hefty tip for them making Lilly so happy Stefan and Lilly followed by their escorts who were carrying yet more bags left the store.
"I am starving, are you?" Stefan asked
Lilly smiled, "I am sorry that took so long, yes I am admittedly a little hungry but I am more tired than anything - those dresses are heavier than they look and my feet are killing me from trying on all those ridiculously beautiful but high shoes! " Lilly giggled but her giggle quickly turned into a squeal as Stefan without warning scooped her up and started to carry her bridal style.
"WHAT ARE YOU DOING?!" Lilly shrieked.
"I am carrying you duh...you said you were tired and your feet hurt so I insist on carrying you back to the car," Stefan said with a mischievous twinkle in his eye as they left the shopping center and his men smiled at him and Lilly approving of this new happy side of their Boss that Lilly seemed to bring out.
"Stefan Marconi, I demand you put me down at once! " Lilly said in mock anger
"Another of your demands...I was right you really are turning into quite a demanding vixen." Stefan said as he spanked her gently on her bottom making her squeal and blush.
"Stefan!" Lilly squealed breathlessly enjoying the feel of his hand on
her arse and being held in his embrace.
"I love it when you say my name so lustfully my angel." Stefan
whispered into her ear as he nuzzled her neck, " Demand all you want vixen but I am carrying you to the car no matter how much you protest. I won't let my girlfriend walk when she's tired or her feet are sore." Stefan said unaware he let the word girlfriend slip out, his men however heard and all smiled discreetly at him especially Marcus and Aiden, and Lilly sighed contently and relaxed into his enticing and safe embrace without any resistance surprising but pleasing Stefan greatly.
As Stefan and Lilly left in their loved up and blissful mood followed by their escort who were also in a joyful mood, Mia stalked them and her mood was far from joyful.
Mia was furious, how dare that little gutter trash come and steal Stefan from her and steal away the future her family and Stefan's had worked so hard to build. Stefan had been promised to her! She was destined to be his wife and the future Queen of the London Mafia, she had been old as much since childhood- she would make that b***h pay! Mia vowed as she got into her car and followed Stefan's convoy at a discreet distance plotting her revenge as she drove.