Effie and Nita headed straight for the luxury boutiques on the top floor.


    Nita had just been promoted to sales manager, and with her ster performance this quarter, she''d earned a generousmission. She decided it was time to treat herself.


    They made a beeline for a designer handbag store.


    Effie immediately spotted a bag in the disy window-a chic, te-blue tote with a subtle, upscale hue.


    Nita had mentioned before that she wanted a stylish, everyday tote, and this one seemed perfect.


    Effie pointed it out, grinning. "Nita, what do you think of that one? The color''s understated but elegant-totally your style."


    Nita followed Effie''s gaze and her eyes lit up. "Wow, that one''s gorgeous! I''ve been looking for a tote like this, but I could never find the right color until now."


    They walked into the store, where a sales associate greeted them warmly.


    Nita didn''t hesitate. "Could I see that bag in the window, please?"


    The associate smiled as she took down the bag and handed it over. "You have a great eye, ma''am. This is one of ourtest designs. The color is unique, and it''s very lightweight-perfect for everyday wear."


    Nita tried the bag on her shoulder, turning to Effie. "Well? What do you think?"


    Effie nodded. "It''s perfect for you. The color suits you, and the size is just right— not too big, not too small. Practical, but still fashionable."


    Nita beamed at thepliment and turned to the associate. "I''ll take it. Could you wrap it up for me?"


    "Of course. Just a moment, please," the associate replied with a smile.


    Nita quickly paid, then she and Effie left the shop, her new bag in hand.


    As they walked past a men''s essories store, Effie''s gazended on the window disy. Lyman''s birthday wasing up, and the thought gave her pause.


    She wandered over to the disy case, eyes scanning the selection until a pair of diamond cufflinks caught her attention.


    They were set with high-quality diamonds-ssic, refined, and quietly luxurious. Just Lyman''s style.


    Noticing Effie''s interest, Nita sidled up beside her. "Thinking about getting something for Lyman?"


    Effie blushed, lowering her voice. "His birthday''s in a few days. I was just wondering if I should get him something. What do you think of these cufflinks?"


    It had been love at first sight for her.


    Nita raised an eyebrow, giving Effie a teasing, knowing look. "Wow, already nning his birthday gift? Looks like things are going well between you two."


    Effie gave her a gentle shove. "Don''t make things up. I just thought...well, we are married now. It''s only right to get him a present."


    Nita nodded, feigning seriousness. "Absolutely. And these cufflinks are perfect- ssy, understated, and very much his style. Plus, every time he wears them, he''ll think of you."


    Effie''s cheeks flushed even deeper. "Stop it. You''re ridiculous."


    Still, she couldn''t deny that the cufflinks felt just right.


    "I''ll take these diamond cufflinks, please," Effie said.


    Just as she spoke, another gentle voice chimed in, also indicating the same pair.


    Effie paused, turning to see a familiar figure.


    Her brows knitted together. Of all people.


    Talk about running into trouble. She really should have checked her horoscope before leaving the house-otherwise, how else could she have run into Isabel again?


    Isabel seemed surprised to see Effie, but quickly recovered, speaking coolly. "Well, if it isn''t Designer Bagnold. Seems our tastes are still as simr as ever."


    Both women had set their sights on the same pair of cufflinks.