Chapter 16

Julian's eyes Squinted immediately when she saw what Ethan just did. She wasn't happy. He had asked Annabelle to go out with him instead of her. She knew Annabelle wasn't  even showing interest but how come Ethan approached her and asked her out.

At that moment her jaw tightened even harder.

However Annabelle decided to agree after a little hesitation from her.

With a low voice she said

"Okay I will go with you"

She decided to agree to his request because Ethan was really kind to her earlier and does in need of help. He helped everyone of them and it really touched her. 

But deep down, Annabelle knew she wouldn't tell Ethan straight away that she was not interested in forming any relationship with him. She didn't want to give him the wrong idea of her but she would politely tell him later.

Ethan at that moment walked Annabelle out of the hospital without even looking back at Julian, he knew she would be biting her lip now.

'That would be one of her punishments for looking down at me earlier, and if care is not taking I would tell Davis to sack her, she doesn't know how to do her job properly."

Ethan said to himself as he and Annabelle were already outside.

without wasting anymore time he needs to tell Annabelle why he brought her here.

"Annabelle"

 Ethan said quietly, trying to start a conversation as they walked through the hospital Premises.

" I was meaning to ask you something"

Annabelle faced Ethan with a worrisome expression on her face; she couldn't believe he was this fast.

'Player, he's a player'

she murmured to herself give Ethan a head nod deep down she knew what he was going to say.

Ethan cleared his throat a little.

"I know I'm asking too much of you Now, I hope you don't mind you accompanying me to go visit the old man that saved my life. I just feel like I owe him a lot. You know, for helping me when I was hurt, if not for him I would have died, so I want you to direct me."

At that moment Annabelle looked at Ethan with a small smile. She was lost for words. She thought he wanted to ask her out and say something nasty but she was wrong, without even wasting any more time she said.

"I think it's nice, Ethan. Not everyone would take the time to thank someone like that.

Most people would just move on and forget about it. It shows you have a good heart and I'm happy you want to visit him, it's going to put a smile on his face seeing you."

Ethan at that moment felt a warmth in his chest at her words.

He wasn't used to receiving such genuine compliments from someone, all he got before was insult upon insult, telling him how he's useless and good for nothing, and has no life, but now someone actually complimented him and it made him feel a bit more confident about the decision he had made.

although it was the right thing to do.

 Ethan  however at that moment could feel his heart starting to beat fast he was nervous.

'I don't know what I'm going to say or how the old man would react if i tell him I want to help, knowing  I was just a university student and was in the hospital when they did a background check on me, finding out I had nothing, he might not take me seriously' 

Ethan's head at that moment was full of thought, but he didn't want to show it. He turned to Annabelle and said.

"Before we go, I need to stop by a clothing store where I want to buy a suit. I want to look smart, not like some average kid. That way, the old man will take me seriously."

Annabelle nodded, understanding how important this was to Ethan to see the stranger that saved him. "Yeah, you're right. Let's make sure you look sharp."

They left the hospital and went to a luxury suit store.

 The store was big, with shiny floors that made their footsteps echo.

The walls were lined with suits in every color.

Just looking at the suit alone Ethan could tell they are very expensive, and the air smelled like fresh leather with rich perfume. Ethan took a deep breath, trying to calm his nerves.

'This a place for the rich'

He said to himself.

However a tall man with slicked-back hair and a fancy tie walked over to them. 

He smiled politely, but Ethan could tell he was sizing them up, with the manner in which his eyes were moving. He couldn't read it immediately because he's trying to figure out if they could afford anything in the store.

"Good afternoon"

The man said in a smooth voice as he bowed his head slightly.

"How can I assist you today?"

Ethan at the moment stood up straight with a  confident look on his face.

"I need a suit"

 He said, his voice steady. "Something that makes me look smart and grown-up."

The man  however raised an eyebrow, surprised by Ethan's seriousness. immediately he nodded and said.

"Of course. Right this way."

They followed the man to the back of the store, where the finest suits were displayed. 

As they continued browsing trying to look for what will fit Ethan description, Ethan found a suit that caught his eye. 

It was a dark navy suit, simple yet elegant. 

He ran his hand over the fabric, feeling the quality of it. 

"What do you think about this one?"

he asked Annabelle, holding it up for her to see.

Annabelle tilted her head, considering it.

"It looks really nice. Not too flashy, but definitely sharp. It'll make you look very respectable."

"Respectable!"

 Ethan repeated with a nod, liking the sound of that. 

"That's exactly what I'm going for."

The Man  didn't say anything, he helped them carry the suit to the counter while Ethan and Annabelle followed him from behind.

They got to the counter and Ethan was ready to pay. 

As he handed his card to the cashier, she looked up at him with a kind smile.

"Thank you for Patronizing us sir, your bill is $50,000." 

she said politely, then added, "Before I process the payment, I wanted to let you know about a special donation drive we're doing. We're raising money for children in rural areas who don't have access to basic necessities like electricity, a stable internet connection, or even proper schools.

Any donation you make, big or small, can make a huge difference. And, as a thank you if you want to donate, we're offering discounts to those who contribute more. For instance, if you donate a significant amount, you could get up to 30% off your purchase today."

Ethan paused, thinking about what she said and the amount he was going to pay for the suit was still echoing in his head.

'Normally I will never come here or even buy something worth more than 200 dollars, but here I'm buying a suit worth $50,000  all thanks to the system, it has changed my life completely'

Ethan said to himself.

He wasn't someone who usually thought about these things, but today was different.

Maybe it was because of Annabelle, or maybe because he was about to visit the old man who had helped him. Whatever it was, he felt a pull at his heart.

"That sounds really important" Ethan said slowly.

 "I'd like to donate. Not for the discount, just because I want to help the children."

Upon hearing Ethan's words Annabelle smiled alongside the cashier, and she nodded in appreciation. 

"Thank you, sir. Your generosity will go a long way in saving life's."

Just as Ethan was about to finalize the payment, the door to the store swung open, and a loud group of people entered.

 Ethan turned to see who it was, and his heart sank. 

It was Jay Brown, the vice-captain of the football team in his university(American football), along with his girlfriend and a few other friends, also in the football team. 

Jay was well-known around school for being rich and  popular with girls, But unfortunately he knew him for being a big bully.

At that moment Jay's eyes immediately landed on Ethan, and a smirk crossed his face.

He nudged his girlfriend, whispering something in her ear that made her giggle. They made their way closer, with Jay striding confidently, as if he owned the place. 

"Ethan?"

 Jay's voice was dripping with sarcasm. 

"What are you doing here? This place is too classy for someone like you to work?" 

He looked around dramatically, as if he was  searching for something.

"Did you get lost on your way to a thrift store?"

Before Ethan could say anything jay said loudly.

"who allowed this rat in here"