Chapter 216: Chapter 216

On Sunday, Sienna Johnson and Kenneth Brown went shopping to buy things for Kenneth’s relatives.

As Labor Day approached, office workers began their holidays, and the discounts in the business world were very enticing. The crowd of shoppers squeezed in as if they didn’t have to pay. Sienna hadn’t shopped for long before she felt a tightness in her chest and shortness of breath. The air was thin and felt overloaded; no wonder she felt uncomfortable.

"How about this coat? The color is very suitable for the elderly."

Sienna chose a slim-fitting mica red coat with frog closures for Mother Brown; it had exquisite embroidery.

"This outfit is suitable for your mom? My mom still has to work in the fields. If you buy her this, she’ll probably only wear it once a year—for Lunar New Year."

"A woman like Madam Johnson wouldn’t even look at the clothes I chose." Sienna put the clothes back.

Pauline Briggs’ clothes were all high-end custom-made, pristine from head to toe. In contrast, Sienna’s clothes were too casual.

"Just buy some inexpensive clothes for my parents; they won’t wear anything too expensive."

"This coat isn’t expensive; it’s not even over a thousand yuan."

"Miss, don’t you know that rural people don’t have high consumption levels? My parents’ annual living expenses are only about three hundred to four hundred and fifty dollars."

Kenneth went to the senior clothing section and casually picked out two conservatively styled and colored garments for his parents, asking the salesperson to wrap them.

After paying, Kenneth rejoined Sienna, and as they passed Lily Brown, he couldn’t help but stop. Following his gaze, Sienna saw a camel-colored long trench coat on a mannequin at the entrance. The clearly marked price was 60,000 after the discount. Kenneth stepped forward.

"This coat is beautiful; why don’t you go in and try it?" Kenneth said with a gentle smile.

"I already have plenty of clothes. You should buy something for your family. Don’t you have a sister? Buy it for her," Sienna declined. Google seaʀᴄh novel✶fire.net

"I haven’t bought you any clothes before," Kenneth insisted.

"I really don’t need it!"

"Sienna, you don’t have to save money for me; I’ve made quite a bit these past few years. I can afford to buy you a coat."

The salesperson chimed in, "Miss, since your boyfriend is so thoughtful, please come in and try it on. You’re so beautiful, a natural model; anything would look stunning on you. Don’t worry about the price. Seeing how eager you seem, I can even give you an additional discount."

Even with a discount, a 60,000-dollar coat wouldn’t be much cheaper.

Sienna genuinely didn’t want Kenneth to waste his money.

"I don’t coat. If you really want to buy me something, let’s go to another store. We can look for clothes in a style I actually like."

The two shopped for nearly two hours and bought a pile of things.

Finally exhausted, they went to the ground floor, where Kenneth bought hot drinks and hamburgers for Sienna.

Sienna sat down to rest. A 42-inch color TV was playing the news. Suddenly, the screen changed, and Noah Phillips’ face appeared in a close-up. Her heart clenched, and for a moment, she struggled to catch her breath.

This must be the ribbon-cutting ceremony for a new project Noah Phillips’ company was undertaking. As usual, the man was full of vigor and refined elegance, lacking Adrian Desmond’s ruthless edge. He exuded a warmth that made others feel as if bathed in a spring breeze, truly standing out from the crowd.

"Sienna?" Kenneth handed her the milk tea.

"Ah?" Sienna looked at the man beside her, her expression dazed.

Kenneth put the milk tea in her hand. Sienna held the cup, feeling the warmth spread through her palm. "Thanks."

"You’re welcome." Kenneth sat down beside her.

"A man like Noah Phillips is very charming; most women would like him. What about you, Sienna? Do you still like him?"

"What nonsense are you talking about? He’s like a brother to me, just like my Marvin." Her voice was low and hoarse, clearly lacking conviction.

Kenneth knew Sienna very well. Her anxious insecurity regarding Noah Phillips—that constant fear of gain and loss—was precisely how a woman in love would feel.

Their relationship was too rational.

"Sienna, I believe people must cherish their blessings to find true happiness. Take us, for example. I had to give up certain things to be with you. Although I desire more, I know that if I become too greedy, I’ll not only suffer but might end up with nothing at all..." Kenneth said meaningfully, confident that the intelligent Sienna had understood his implication.

Sienna took a sip of milk tea and responded, "Yes, people should cherish their blessings."

"Sienna, we will be happy."

After sitting for a while, Sienna finished her milk tea, a warmth spreading through her. She stood up, following Kenneth, and glanced at the TV screen before quickly looking away.

Noah Phillips, destined to be merely a beautiful illusion, an unattainable desire.

The two of them then went to the Supermarket and bought many groceries. Kenneth’s mother would be visiting, and Sienna planned to cook for her personally.

"Do your parents have any dietary restrictions?"

"My parents aren’t picky eaters; as long as it’s edible, it’s fine."

Sienna looked at Kenneth and said, "That’s very easygoing, isn’t it?"

"They’re very nice people, just a bit sheltered and perhaps not used to formal settings. Please be understanding."

"How could I not be?!"

He pushed the shopping cart behind her, the two of them looking like an ordinary young married couple shopping at the Supermarket.

「Monday, Johnson Family.」

Sienna Johnson met with Kenneth Brown’s parents to discuss their wedding date.

Sabrina Johnson and Frederick Stewart also came uninvited. Pauline Briggs was choosing her clothes, frowning deeply.

"Mom, this dress looks so beautiful on you! It makes you look younger. When we go out together, people who don’t know us might think we’re sisters," Sabrina said sweetly.

Mother Johnson tapped Sabrina’s small nose and said, "You certainly have a sweet mouth."

"I’m just telling the truth."

"Mom, what’s wrong? It’s Sister’s engagement today; you should be happy, right?" Sabrina asked, feigning innocence.

"Your sister, with her standing, is marrying beneath her by choosing someone like Kenneth. His parents are farmers; I really can’t stand them."

Sabrina had been competing with Sienna her entire life, always managing to be a step ahead. Now that Sienna had found a self-made man, Sabrina was inwardly ecstatic.

"Mom, Kenneth seems to treat Sister very well. As long as he’s good to her, isn’t that enough? Besides, our Johnson Family isn’t short of money. It’s just a matter of supporting a man..."

With that one sentence, Sabrina effectively painted Kenneth as a freeloading pretty boy.

"Your sister is just disobedient. I introduced her to so many men, all with better prospects than Kenneth, but she insisted on that poor boy. I don’t know what kind of love potion Kenneth gave your sister."