Not-So-Chance Encounter

The mall was alive with people chatting and laughing as Delphinia made her way through the crowd. She carried two neatly packed shopping bags in one hand, her other hand trailing along the edge of a clothing rack as she browsed through a store.

Her purpose today was simple: to pick up some thoughtful gifts for her father-in-law, mother-in-law, and Julian. No, this wasn't a bribe, she told herself, smiling faintly at the thought. It was just a small gesture, a way to show that she cared about her new family.

She had already settled on elegant shirts for her father-in-law and Julian—classic yet elegant choices that suited their personalities. Now, she was on a mission to find a perfect handbag for her mother-in-law.

Delphinia entered a boutique with gleaming glass displays showcasing an array of luxurious handbags. A store clerk, dressed impeccably in a tailored uniform, approached her with a polite smile.