NovelUSAChapter 398:
Carrie returned his look with one of exasperation. “Do | look like I'm made of money? Sure, this pen was
complimentary, but it’s actually more expensive than the one | purchased! Who would | even consider worthy of
such a lavish gift? | plan to use it for writing my manuscripts. | simply asked you to hold it momentarily.”
Kristopher’s expression turned gloomy. “But didn’t you mention it looked good on me?”
Carrie exhaled sharply. “Why must you always be so difficult? You just said you wouldnt bother with such an
inexpensive pen. Now, you're upset that I'm not offering it to you?”
Kristopher replied, “I never claimed | wouldn't use an inexpensive pen. | merely noted that I've never used one
this inexpensive before. Being a writer, shouldn't you appreciate the nuance in words?”
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Carrie had already brushed past him and was striding ahead before he could even finish his sentence. Kristopher
paused, watching the gap between them widen, before he set off after her with a sigh.
During her walk, Carrie’s attention was captured by a hgoods store that had just opened. Inside, she
scanned the shelves without much interest until, just as she was about to leave, a stylish glasses case caught
her eye.
Recalling Oliver's broken glasses case she had noticed in the car earlier, she decided to pick up the new one and
proceeded to the checkout. To her surprise, the small item cost five hundred.
While she was still processing the shock, the cashier efficiently printed the receipt and presented it to her,
asking, “Would you like to pay by cash, card, or a scan?”
Choosing the scan option with a hint of resignation, Carrie readied her payment app.
As she completed the transaction, the clerk cheerily included a grotesque frog toy in her bag, saying, “Today's
special offer: spend five hundred and receive this free stress-relief toy.”
Managing a weak smile, Carrie muttered a “thank you.” Exiting the store, she found Kristopher waiting by the
door, drawing admiring glances from several women. As they noticed Carrie join him, their expressions fell, and
they walked away disappointedly, murmuring, “Of course. The handsones are always taken.”
Kristopher chuckled at their remarks, glancing at Carrie with a raised eyebrow. “It seems I'm quite the catch,
according to the crowd.”
Carrie replied calmly, “Remember the last heartthrob who ended up in the news for the wrong reasons? His wife
was envied, too, once.”
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“And when have | ever resembled that guy?” he retorted, his eyes wide in mock horror as he followed her.
Pausing, Carrie replied thoughtfully, “Well, neglect can be as harmful as anything else. You've had your
moments.” She continued, “But everyone has flaws. Improve those, and who knows? Maybe you could actually
live up to their expectations.”
Kristopher gave a dismissive laugh, saying, “Sure, | can certainly improve.” No sooner had the words left his
mouth than he realized he seemed to have been tricked into making a promise. He was momentarily lost in
thought but then noticed Carrie stepping into the already open elevator. Rushing, he managed to join her just in
time.
Down in the dimly lit underground parking lot, as soon as Carrie settled into the car, she pulled out the garish
green frog and, reaching over to the front seat, handed Oliver a bag. “I noticed your glasses case was in a sorry
state earlier. This one caught my eye while | was out shopping, so | picked it up for you.”
Oliver, clearly taken aback, accepted the bag with a tentative grasp. “Mrs.
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