SWNOVELS Chapter Hello 153
Chapter 153
+25 BONUS
These fancy hand-lettering supplies weren't something you just picked up on a whim like a carton of milk. My first thought? She was probably getting them for Matthew too.
Not even a week ago, Jace swore up and down he was done with Tanya, saying she was leaving the company and that they wouldn't be involved anymore. But now? Here she was, likely prepping for Matthew's birthday, still very much in the picture. Good thing I never believed his crap in the first place.
Tanya was busy examining the set Mr. Parker gave her me, and I sure wasn't about to make myself known. So, the other options.
acting like she knew her stuff. She didn't notice
turned back around and kept browsing through
T
"Mr. Parker, are you sure this is the best? I'm gifting it to someone really important, and I can't afford to embarrass myself," Tanya asked.
"best' is subjective, right? There's always something better out there. But I can promise you, this set will impress and keep your reputation spotless, Mr. Parker reassured her smoothly.
"True, Tanya muttered, "but I need this gift to really stand out. It has to be the best."
From the way she talked, it was obvious this gift was for someone who really mattered to her.
"In all of Seavora, you won't find a better selection of hand-lettering supplies than in my shop. No one will top this," Mr. Parker said with a confident smile. "When they open this, they'll know you put some serious thought into it." "Good," Tanya paused before adding, "it's for my future father-in-law."
I almost froze when I heard that. Had she officially started dating Jace?
But if that were true, why was Jace still putting pressure on my new employer? What game was he playing? It felt like he wanted to have it all.
I shook my head, trying to shake off all the messy thoughts, and attempted to focus on picking a gift. But now, none of the sets on display felt right anymore.
Just as I was about to call it quits, a set in the corner of the cabinet caught my eye. Without even thinking. I spoke up, "Mr. Parker, can I check this one out?"
"Go ahead, take whatever catches your eye," Mr. Parker said, totally cool with me browsing.
I couldn't wait to get a closer look. I opened the cabinet and gently pulled out the set. As I ran my fingers over it, appreciating the craftsmanship, I suddenly felt someone standing next to me. "You're getting something for Jace's dad too?" Tanya's voice came.
The moment I spoke earlier, it had immediately caught her attention. I didn't bother glancing her way. keeping my focus on the items in my hands.
The set wasn't the latest or flashiest, but the craftsmanship was top-tier.
After spending ten years at the Johnston place, I knew what Matthew liked. When I first moved in, he'd
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+25 BONUS
Chapter 153
invite me to join him while he practiced, trying to help me adjust during those rough first few months.
Over time, I'd picked up more than a few things about these supplies, helping him with his practice sessions whenever I could.
"Yeah," I replied, keeping my voice flat.
But then Tanya added, "I've already picked out the best set for him. So... you might want to rethink that. Wouldn't want us both showing up with the same gift, right? And..."
She let her words hang for a beat before continuing, "Besides, I'm giving him the best, and if yours doesn't measure up, it might seem like you didn't put enough effort into it." Wow, I almost laughed out loud. Was she actually trying to help me?
The set in my hands wasn't anything over-the-top, but it had this quiet elegance. It fit Matthew's style perfectly-nothing too bold, just classic and dignified.
That's the thing about hand lettering supplies: they didn't need to scream for attention to show their value.
Tanya's smug tone only made my decision easier. "Mr. Parker, I'll take this one. Please wrap it up for me."
I finally turned to face her, catching the sour expression on her face-she was clearly not happy.
"Ms. Twain, you give your gift, and I'll give mine. No need to stress about whether mine measures up," I said with a smile.
Then, with a little extra sweetness, I added, "Besides, if mine doesn't stand out, it'll only make you, as the future daughter-in-law, look even more thoughtful. Right?"
Tanya's face flushed bright red, and in that moment, it hit me-everything she'd said to Mr. Parker earlier was just her way of boosting her own ego.