Clare felt his stare, but continued examining the watch. After years married to Robert, she was accustomed to being underestimated. Usually, it amused her. Today, she simply wanted to purchase a meaningful gift before meeting her husband for lunch. Little did she know, this routine shopping trip was about to become anything but ordinary.
Marcus Develin approached with the practiced smile of someone who had mastered the art of looking pleasant while delivering unpleasant messages. His Italian suit and handmade shoes created a deliberate contrast with Clare’s casual appearance.
“Is there something I can help with here, Veronica?” he asked the saleswoman, though his eyes remained fixed on Clare.
“This customer is interested in the Chronomaster,” Veronica replied, emphasizing customer in a way that suggested Clare was anything but.
“I see.” Marcus turned his full attention to Clare now. “Madam, the Chronomaster is one of our most exclusive pieces. Perhaps Veronica could show you something more suitable for browsing purposes.”
Clare met his gaze steadily. “I’m not browsing. I’d like to purchase this watch.”
Marcus exchanged a knowing look with Veronica. Clare had seen this before, the silent communication between luxury retail staff when they had identified someone they believed did not belong.
“Of course,” Marcus said, his tone indulgent. “However, we have a policy with our high-value items. I’d need to see some form of verification before proceeding with such a significant purchase.”
Clare tilted her head slightly. “Verification?”
“A platinum card at minimum, or perhaps evidence of funds. We’ve had issues with certain individuals wasting our time.” His smile did not reach his eyes. “I’m sure you understand.”
A well-dressed couple nearby paused their conversation to observe the interaction. Their expressions were a mixture of curiosity and secondhand embarrassment.
“I don’t typically carry my cards when I’m dressed for the day’s activities,” Clare explained calmly. “But I can assure you the purchase won’t be a problem. My husband is actually meeting me here shortly.”
“Ah,” Marcus interrupted, his voice taking on a knowing tone. “Your husband? Of course.”
He glanced at Veronica, who barely suppressed a smirk.
“Perhaps when your husband arrives, we can continue this conversation.”
Clare understood his implication immediately. He thought she was inventing a wealthy husband, a common tactic, apparently among certain individuals.
“The watch is a surprise for him,” Clare explained, her patience beginning to wear thin. “I’d prefer to complete the purchase before he arrives.”
Marcus made a show of checking his watch. “I’m afraid without verification I can’t authorize this transaction. We have many genuine customers waiting for assistance.”
He gestured toward the couple who had been watching, who quickly pretended they had not been listening.
Another customer entered the boutique, a celebrity Clare recognized from film posters. Immediately Marcus’s demeanor transformed.
“Ms. Reynolds, what an honor,” he exclaimed, already moving toward the actress. “Veronica, perhaps you could continue assisting this patron or direct her to our sales section in the back.”
“We don’t actually have a sales section,” Veronica said quietly. “Look, maybe you should come back another time with your husband,” she added with unmistakable skepticism.
Clare checked her watch again. Robert would arrive in 30 minutes. She could wait and let him handle the situation, but that would ruin the surprise. Besides, she had never relied on her husband’s name or status to be treated with basic dignity.
“I’d still like to purchase the watch,” Clare insisted.
Veronica sighed dramatically. “I’ve worked here 5 years. I know a discount hunter when I see one. You’re just wasting everyone’s time.”
The muttered words stung more than Clare cared to admit. Around her, other customers were beginning to stare. What had begun as a simple shopping trip was becoming an uncomfortable spectacle, all because she had chosen comfort over couture for her morning attire.
The situation deteriorated rapidly when Marcus returned from escorting the actress to the jewelry section. His expression had hardened, professional veneer slipping away as he approached Clare.
“Madam, I believe we’ve been more than accommodating,” he said, voice lowered, but tone sharp. “But it’s becoming clear that you’re not a serious buyer.”
Clare straightened her shoulders. “I’ve been nothing but clear about my intentions to purchase the watch.”
“Yet, you have no means to verify you can actually afford it.” He glanced at her simple clothing with obvious disdain. “We’ve seen this before. People coming in, handling our merchandise, taking pictures, wasting our time, all for social media posts about a lifestyle they don’t actually have.”
