?<strong>Chapter 398:</strong>


    Carrie returned his look with one of exasperation. “Do I look like I’m made of money? Sure, this pen wasplimentary, but it’s actually more expensive than the one I purchased! Who would I even consider worthy of such avish gift? I n to use it for writing my manuscripts. I 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 wouldn’t bother with such an inexpensive pen. Now, you’re upset that I’m not offering it to you?”


    Kristopher replied, “I never imed I wouldn’t use an inexpensive pen. I merely noted that I’ve never used one this inexpensive before. Being a writer, shouldn’t you appreciate the nuance in words?”


    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 home goods store that had just opened. Inside, she scanned the shelves without much interest until, just as she was about to leave, a stylish sses case caught her eye.


    Recalling Oliver’s broken sses 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 shepleted 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 nces from several women. As they noticed Carrie join him, their expressions fell, and they walked away disappointedly, murmuring, “Of course. The handsome ones are always taken.”


    Kristopher chuckled at their remarks, ncing at Carrie with a raised eyebrow. “It seems I’m quite the catch, ording to the crowd.”


    Carrie replied calmly, “Remember thest heartthrob who ended up in the news for the wrong reasons? His wife was envied, too, once.”


    “And when have I 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 ws. Improve those, and who knows? Maybe you could actually live up to their expectations.”


    Kristopher gave a dismissiveugh, saying, “Sure, I 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 sses case was in a sorry state earlier. This one caught my eye while I was out shopping, so I picked it up for you.”


    Oliver, clearly taken aback, epted the bag with a tentative grasp. “Mrs.


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