So Effie wanted to pick up a couple of affordable outfits.


    Nita was a manager now, and she cared more about her appearance than before. Still, maybe because of her upbringing, she''d buy a few quality pieces and save them for important asions.


    Most of the time, though, both of them dressed pretty modestly.


    They usually went for niche brands-unique designs, great fabrics, and reasonable prices.


    After work, the two of them waited at the entrance of the mall.


    Once they met up, they headed straight to a fondue restaurant-Nita had been craving it for ages.


    While they were enjoying dinner, Nita suddenly brought up the uing ss reunion.


    "Effie, we really need to make a statement at the reunion this time. I heard Sarah''sing too. You know how she''s always been jealous of you-constantly trying topete. We can''t let her show us up."


    Nita just couldn''t resist a little rivalry.


    Back in school, Sarah had always envied Effie for her looks and ster grades.


    She was forever runner-up, while Effie always came in first.


    So she tried to outdo Effie at every turn.


    And when she found out Effie was dating Mitchell, every encounter wasced with thinly-veiled sarcasm.


    To her credit, Sarah had done well for herself too; rumor had it her new boyfriend came from old money and spoiled her rotten.


    Who knows how she''ll unt it at the reunion this time?


    Especially now that Effie and Mitchell had broken up-bad news always travels fast.


    Most of their ssmates had probably already heard.


    Nita was curious to see how everyone would react.


    She wondered what they''d say if they found out Effie''s husband was Lyman.


    The thought alone made her grin.


    But Nita knew Effie wasn''t one to unt her private life, especially since her marriage to Lyman was still under wraps.


    Well, they''d just have to wait and see.


    If people got out of line, Nita wouldn''t mind spilling the beans.


    Effie took a bite of tripe and gave Nita a helpless smile. "Nita, you know I''m not interested in ying those games. If Sarah wants to show off, let her. We''ll just enjoy our meal."


    Nita rolled her eyes. "That won''t do! You have no idea-she''s always posting pictures of her bags and jewelry in the group chat, and she keeps hinting you got dumped by Mitchell because you weren''t good enough. I''ve been itching to put her in her ce!"


    Effie shook her head and ced a piece of tender beef on Nita''s te. "Let her say what she wants. I''m happy with my life now, and that''s what matters."


    "At least let me help you find a decent dress?" Nita''s eyes lit up. “There''s a boutique on the third floor-Europeanbel, great design, not too pricey. It would look amazing on you!"


    After dinner, they headed straight upstairs.


    Nita''s pick was a small French boutique, all understated elegance and refined cuts.


    Effie tried on a beige silk dress, the unique waist detail entuating her figure perfectly.


    Nita pped her hands in delight. "That''s the one! Quiet luxury, tons of style. Sarah''s shy outfits can''t hold a candle to this!"


    Just as Effie was about to pay, a shrill voice rang out behind them. "Well, isn''t this


    a coincidence! Fancy seeing you here, sis!"


    They turned around to find Mitchell, sharply dressed in a suit, standing at the entrance with Suzan by his side.


    Great.


    Should''ve checked her horoscope before heading out-what a way to ruin a shopping trip.


    Suzan eyed the dress in Effie''s hands and let out a derisive littleugh. "Buying sale racks now, are we? I remember you used to only wear designerbels."