3 The Department Store

As Calantha stepped into the department store, the atrium soared above her, its glass ceiling filtering in natural light that danced across the marble floors. Soft music wafted through the air, a gentle accompaniment to the gentle hum of conversation and the subtle rustle of designer fabrics. Towering shelves and gleaming display cases showcased the finest offerings from the world's most renowned fashion houses. Diamonds and precious gems sparkled like fireflies among the exquisite jewelry collections, while plush carpets and velvet drapes added a tactile sense of luxury to the surroundings. The air was alive with the scent of high-end perfumes and the promise of exclusivity, as if the very atmosphere was infused with the essence of style and refinement. Calantha’s stilettos clicked on the polished floors, her footsteps echoing through the hallowed halls of fashion as she ventured deeper into the heart of the store. "Hey, wait!" he called out, his deep voice carrying across the store. He just realized that they hadn’t introduced themselves properly. But Calantha didn't falter, her pace quickening as she pushed through more doors and into the lobbies. Freiherr hastened after her, his long strides eating up the distance. “Hey, wait up, this is an exclusive store. Everyone saw us coming out together.” “So?” Calantha didn’t understand why he was chasing after her when he could just wait for her to purchase some items. But she had never been to such an expensive store. She doubted if she could afford anything here. “I brought you here, so let me take responsibility.” He said, “And why did you leave like that…” “Not everyone’s as wealthy as you are, Sir! I look so not presentable and risk losing my job.” It was now that the pain had hit her more. He was her boss, but he didn’t know that common people like her were being bullied in his office. It was the same thing everywhere: CEOs having time for just the executives of their company. But Calantha was merely a trainee; she didn’t work full-time. “Okay, calm down… this is my fault; let me handle it.” “Fine!” She walked to the suit section, staring at dresses she knew she couldn’t afford unless she was ready to be on the streets with no food to eat. As they entered the clothing section, a sales associate approached Silas with a warm smile. "Welcome, sir! How may I assist you today?" Freiherr hesitated, glancing at Calantha, who was scanning the racks, fascinated but unable to buy. "We're looking for something... special." The sales associate nodded knowingly. "Ah, something for a special occasion? We have some exquisite pieces that would make a stunning couple's statement." Calantha’s eyes widened as the associate showed them dresses that seemed to shimmer and shine in the light. Freiherr and Calantha exchanged an awkward glance, both thinking the same thing: we're not a couple. But the associate persisted, showing them collection after collection. “Umm, excuse me? Do you have something comfy but simple? Something formal but not too formal.” Calantha was getting impatient with the showcasing of the store’s collection. The associate's face brightened as she realized what Calantha wanted. “This way, I have just the right collections to match your taste.” The associate led them to a secluded section of the store. "Our 'Elegance with Ease' collection," She announced, "designed for the woman who wants to exude sophistication without sacrificing comfort." Calantha’s eyes widened as she scanned the racks, her fingers trailing over the soft fabrics. "These are beautiful," she breathed. The associate smiled, "I knew you'd love them. Try this one on," she suggested, holding up a sleek black dress with subtle lace details. Calantha nodded, and the associate led her to a spacious dressing room. As she changed, she felt a transformation taking place. Freiherr, on the other hand, sat down, waiting to reject whatever outfit he didn’t like. The dress hugged her curves in all the right places, and the fabric felt like a gentle caress on her skin. When she emerged, Freiherr’s eyes widened in disbelief. "Wow, you look... stunning," he said, his voice low and sincere. The associate beamed, "I told you it would be perfect! And the best part? It's designed for comfort, so you can wear it all day without feeling restricted." Calantha smiled, feeling a sense of relief wash over her. "What do you think?" Freiherr finally suggested, "Why don't you try something else just for fun." She hesitated, but the associate's enthusiasm was infectious. Calantha relented, disappearing into the dressing room with a few selected outfits. As she emerged in each new ensemble, Freiherr couldn't help but be struck by her beauty. “Next!” He would say whenever he didn’t like it. Calantha always stared at her wristwatch. She had barely an hour left to get to the office for her interview. “I don’t have much time. Any outfit is really okay.” “Next! Next, please?” He’d insist. Calantha would scoff her way out. But it wasn't until she stepped out in a stunning suit skirt and top that he was truly lost in her radiance. She snapped her fingers, and Freiherr jolted back to reality, his eyes locking onto hers. As she took a step forward, she had a missed step, and she stumbled. Freiherr reacted instinctively, catching her in his arms. They stood there, frozen, their faces inches apart. Their warm breaths mingled, and their gazes remained locked in a charged moment of tension. Freiherr had been around insanely beautiful ladies, but none gave him this much chills. He was entranced, his gaze fixed on Calantha’s radiant face. He was captivated by the way the light danced in her eyes, like sparkles on a diamond. He had never been so thoroughly enamored by a woman's beauty before. It was as if he had stumbled upon a rare masterpiece, a work of art that left him breathless. Her voice broke the spell, her words snapping him back to reality. "Hey, are you listening to me?" she asked, a hint of amusement in her tone. Freiherr shook his head, his eyes still locked on hers. "I'm sorry, I... uh... yeah, I'm listening," he stuttered, his usual suave demeanor momentarily lost. Calantha chuckled, her smile illuminating the room. "Good, because I was saying that I think I've found the perfect outfit." The associate nodded in agreement. "Yes, that dress was made for you! Shall I ring it up?" Calantha thought she didn’t have time to wrap it up since her interview was in an hour. Freiherr handed over his card to Casandra to make the payment, telling her the pin. She felt awkward about it but handed it over to the associate, trying to hide her discomfort. As the associate busied herself with the purchase, Freiherr couldn't help but steal glances at Calantha, his mind still reeling from the impact of her beauty. The associate processes the payment, and soon the transaction is complete. "Thank you for patronizing; please stop by next time," the associate says with a smile. Calantha forced a smile, trying to match the associate's enthusiasm. "We'd definitely come around," she said, trying to sound convincing. But in her mind, she knew she couldn't afford anything in the store if not for Freiherr’s generosity. She felt a pang of gratitude towards him, mixed with embarrassment at her own financial struggles. She was about to hand him over the card when she tripped. Freiherr caught her, their gaze locked on each other’s. Their warm breaths mingled. The air was electric as they stood there, frozen in time.