Chapter 535
The duo spent the day shopping and purchased many items. They bought gifts for all the Russell family elders except Mrs. Russell. Brittany excelled at pleasing people, particularly the elders. As they were leaving, they passed a fragrance counter. Brittany stopped, her eyes lingering on the dazzling perfumes.
After a while, Arianna noticed Brittany hadn't followed. Turning around, she saw Brittany standing mesmerized before the counter. "What? You want to buy perfume?" Arianna rejoined her and began browsing.
The sales assistant enthusiastically greeted them. "What kind of perfume do you ladies prefer? We have a wide variety; feel free to test any that interest you."
The assistant picked up a bottle, recommending it with, "For example, this is our newest release, with a predominantly sweet scent"
Arianna, intrigued, sampled several perfumes and chose two. Brittany, however, hesitated, unable to decide. "What's wrong? Don't you like any of these?" Arianna asked.
Brittany shook her head, her brow furrowed. "It's not that."
"Not what?"
"Miss, what kind of fragrance are you looking for? Do you know the base notes, or perhaps the brand or line? I can help you find it," the sales assistant offered quickly.
Brittany shook her head again, pulling Arianna forward. She stopped at other brands' counters, continuing her search. After several attempts, she found nothing.
Her disappointed expression piqued Arianna's curiosity. "What are you looking for?"
"I don't know," Brittany admitted hesitantly. "I just remember the smell, but it doesn't seem to be here."
"Where did you smell it?" Arianna reasoned; she must remember the location.
Brittany remained silent, fueling Arianna's curiosity. "Don't you remember?"
"It's just" Brittany hesitated, finding it difficult to say. "It wasfrom that woman."
Arianna was confused. Initially, she didn't understand.
"That woman" After a pause, Arianna realized, "The woman Alexander is marrying?"
Brittany's eyes dimmed. She lowered her head and nodded. "My God! You've been searching for that woman's perfume? What were you thinking?" Gently poking Brittany's forehead, Arianna felt exasperated. "Do you think you can win Alexander's heart back by wearing the same perfume?" Her words, though direct, were sharp but not unkind. Brittany had indeed hoped to do just that. She felt like a drowning woman grasping at a straw. Passing the fragrance counter, she’d remembered the faint scent of Lily's perfume that day—a pleasant, light fragrance that lingered. Since leaving Alexander's house, she’d scrubbed her nose, trying to erase the smell.
Only then did she realize Alexander might have been attracted to Lily because of it, deeply captivated by the scent. Failing to find it at the counter left Brittany deeply disappointed.