We arrived at Bijoux Jewelry store and was immediately greeted by broad, anxious smiles and stiff looking retail jewelers.

I paid them no mind and went directly for that stunning, sophisticated middle age woman that stood out from the rest. I didn’t notice Estela and Zhane’s surprised faces upon seeing that middle age woman. I ignored the fact that the stunning middle age lady would look like Estela when older. I stared at the middle-aged woman’s name tag and smiled at her. “Hello Miss Lily, I would like to have this made please.”

I brought out my designs for Little Pluffy’s collar, oblivious to the woman’s fiery stares and broad smiles that almost made her eyes narrowed.

“I want the strap to be pure pastel aquamarine colored leather and will have a name ‘Pluffy’ carved inside an emerald cut Alexandrite diamond. The pendant flanked by two pave set brilliant diamond cut Tibetan Mastiff joined by four strands round white cultured pearl necklace and mounted on an 18k white gold,” I said in one breath making the other saleslady dizzy, but Lily just maintained her smile. Her face didn’t show the slightest bit of surprise nor contortion.

As expected – an experienced woman!

Lily gave me her most dazzling smile. “We’ll see to it that your designs and requirements will be fully met. May we have your designs so we can have it as a reference.”

“Sure, how much will it cost me and when can I have it?”

“Ohohoho! It won’t cost you a thing, and we can have it made now so you can take it within the week.”

…..

…..

Huh?

“Uhmm…… What did you just say?” I stared at Lily, confused. My eyes, asking her to repeat her words because I think I just misheard her.

I didn’t notice Estela glaring and signaling something to Lily with her eyes.

Lily cleared her throat and composed herself as if nothing happened. “I mean… we can’t give you the exact quotation now. Will e-mail you within the day after our jewelers assist your designs. Once you gave the down payment, we will proceed with the crafting of the collar. It will be finish within the week.”

“Oh, alright. That will be all then.” I flashed a relieved smile.

“Why don’t you take a look around and see if there is anything else that catches your eyes.” Lily motioned her hand to urged me to take a look at the gorgeous sparkling displays of rare stones and stunning pieces of jewelry.

Since I’m here, might as well take a look around.

I smiled at her and made my way through the line of exquisite pieces of jewelry, all the while, little Pluffy obediently walked beside me.

“I can’t believe you don’t even recognize the mother of your fiancé.” Zhane murmured.

I turned to look at him.

“What was that?”

Zhane slightly flinched as he shook his head.

“I-it’s nothing!”