*Isabella's POV*
Elly slid into the driver's seat, her hands grasping the wheel with elegant precision as she awaited further instructions.
I turned to Jacob, my words hesitant as I searched for a diplomatic way to phrase my question. "Wait, Elly is your...?"
Jacob's eyes sparkled with amusement before I could even finish. "The word 'chauffeur' is so pedestrian, don't you think?" he said, his tone light. "She's a woman, not just a driver.
Elly's voice cut in, her tone dry. "Please, I'm his designated driver – for those occasions when he's fu**ed by alcohol."
Jacob shot her a reprimanding glance. "Language, Elly."
I couldn't help but laugh at their banter. "I like her," I said, my amusement evident.
Jacob's response was laced with sarcasm. "I knew you would."
"That's the reason I brought her with me today. That and so she can accompany you shopping. Thought you might need a girlfriend. One as fiesty and witty as you Ms. Williams."
As we glided through the Manhattan streets in the luxurious limousine, Jacob turned to me with an inquisitive gaze. "But why are you taking me shopping?" I asked, my curiosity piqued.
Jacob's lips curled into a sly smile. "I'm sure my cheap brother is giving you a paltry allowance, barely enough to cover your expenses."
I opened my mouth to protest, but Jacob cut me off. "Business trips are for shopping, ask anyone. Besides, this is New York, and you'll be attending important meetings for Lancaster Corp. You'll need new clothes."
I bristled at his comment, feeling a surge of defensiveness. "What's wrong with my clothes?" I asked, my glare daring him to criticize my attire.
Jacob's eyes roamed over me, his gaze lingering on my outfit before he responded. "Hmmmm...flats?" he commented, his voice dripping with amusement as he chuckled.
I felt a flush rise to my cheeks as I shot back, "That's unfair...you woke me up.I had to throw something on."
Jacob's gaze swept over me, his expression critical. "That's the problem – you look really cute, but you can't dress like that."
My initial impression of him as humble and kind evaporated in an instant. I thought to myself, There goes the little bit of humility I saw in him earlier. And to think I was starting to believe he was genuinely nice. But now, he just seemed like a self-absorbed jerk.
I felt a sting from his words and asked, trying to keep my tone even, "Do you have to insult me like this?"
Jacob paused, letting out a sigh. "No, I said you're cute..." He trailed off, seeking backup. "Elly?
Elly's voice was laced with sass. "He's a total jerk, so I say let's spend his money."
I couldn't help but laugh at her blunt assessment. She gets me, I thought, amused by her straightforwardness.
Jacob's voice rose in mock indignation. "You know I'm right here, don't you, Elly?" He threw in a reminder, "And I'm the one paying your salary."
Elly's response was nonchalant, her tone dripping with amusement. "I know. You're just being oversensitive today." She shot me a sly wink. "Mpho, he must really like you. He doesn't want to look bad in front of you."
Jacob's defeated tone was almost comical. "And there goes your Christmas bonus."
Elly's giggles filled the air, unfazed by the threat.
I turned my attention to Jacob, a hint of a smile playing on my lips. "That's why you took the limo and didn't drive, isn't it? You wanted to impress me."
Jacob's words, "I'm going to the gym. Just finish your pancakes, Isabella," were met with uncontrollable laughter from Elly and me. The absurdity of the situation was too much to handle.
Elly whisked me away on a whirlwind tour of the most exclusive designer stores on 5th Avenue. We glided through the opulent interiors, surrounded by immaculately dressed sales associates and the faint
Elly whisked me away on a whirlwind tour of the most exclusive designer stores on 5th Avenue. We glided through the opulent interiors, surrounded by immaculately dressed sales associates and the faint scent of luxury perfumes. However, despite the extravagance that enveloped me, I couldn't shake off the feeling of being a fish out of water.
As Elly effortlessly collected an assortment of designer garments, accessories, and shoes, I watched with growing unease. "Are you buying all of those?" I asked, my voice barely above a whisper.
Elly's response was nonchalant, her tone dripping with an air of entitlement. "Of course." She flashed me a mischievous grin, and I couldn't help but feel a twinge of discomfort.
The sheer scale of her purchases left me aghast. "Must have cost you a fortune," I commented, trying to wrap my head around the staggering amounts being spent.
Elly's grin widened, and she leaned in, a conspiratorial glint in her eye. "It cost Jacob a fortune." Her words hung in the air, and I felt a flutter in my chest as the implications began to sink in.
My eyes narrowed, and I turned to Elly, my voice barely above a whisper. "But how can you...it's his credit card." The words trailed off, and I felt a blush rise to my cheeks.
As I gazed at Elly, her expression seemed to hold a secret, a hint of a private joke that only she understood. And then, like a puzzle piece falling into place, the truth became clear.
As I pondered the dynamics between Elly and Jacob, I couldn't help but notice the effortless ease with which she interacted with him. Her words were laced with a familiarity that spoke of a deeper connection, a sense of comfort. Her laughter was unrestrained when she is around him, as if he isn't just her boss.As the truth began to unravel, I felt a shiver run down my spine.The way Elly moved with an air of confidence.
Then the realization dawned on me like a bolt of lightning on a hot summer's day.
They were probably sleeping together.