Dreams Outgrow Rooms Built From Other Peoples Fears by Niro Mason 48

48 Shoes Reflect A Woman’s Heart [2] 

48 Shoes Reflect A Woman’s Heart [2] 

[Music: Familiar By Agnes Obel] 

“A King…” 

“I know I don’t look like one,” I said in a lighthearted tone. 

A subtle smile played on her face as her eyes quietly observed me; it felt like I was under surveillance now. 

Maybe I said something wrong? 

“To be part of the society is one thing, but belonging is an entirely different thing,” I added. 

Stop talking, Catherine. 

A brief laugh rolled off her, and I wondered what caught her amusement. 

“You poor thing…” she mumbled, and I narrowed my eyes. “A thing like you, a King.” 

She stepped past me, and her words left a lingering expression, so I followed her. 

“What do you mean by that? You speak as if you know about the Kings.” 

“Who doesn’t, love? A King put a ring on that finger; surely there is a reason. It makes one wonder…” 

She eyed the ring again, and this time, I noticed something envious in those eyes, but as quickly as it came, it was gone, and I thought I might have hallucinated it. 

“It was lovely meeting you.” She put on her sunglasses. 

Before she could leave, I stopped her with my words. 

“I didn’t quite catch your name. It would be nice to know the woman who fancies shoes 

like her own heart.” 

“I’m sure we will meet again, Catherine. The universe works mysteriously.” 

As I watched her leave, I realized she had left empty–handed. 

What a strange woman. 

My gaze travelled to the staffer who glared at me as if I had lost an important 

customer. 

“Would you mind packaging this for me?” I raised the pumps. “I’ll take this one.” 

14:59 

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< 

“Can 

48 Shoes Reflect A Woman’s Heart [2] 

you 

afford it?” 

This little-! 

“Cat! There you are, I have been looking everywhere for you.” Athena pitched. “You left just when I wanted you to try some perfect collections.” 

She came to me snappily and hooked her hand into my arm and pulled me close. 

“You came to buy shoes and you didn’t even bring me along” 

“It was either that or spend two hours making a decision.” 

She gasped. “Paying attention to details is crucial, and you have to get your money’s worth.” 

An odd thing for a billionaire to say, but who am I to judge? 

“Y–You’re the Goddess!” the staffer gasped with wide eyes, stepping forward like she had met her dream person. 

“How sweet…” I said as she suddenly caught on quickly. 

“Then you’re…” she mumbled. “T–The glasses…” 1 

Right, in all my public pictures, I wore contacts. 

“F–Forgive me, I didn’t know…” 

“Just package this, thank you.” 

“O–Of course, right away!” She took the pumps and hurried out. 

“What was that about?” 

I stepped away from Athena’s hold only for her to grab my arm again. 

“Will you let me go?” 

“After this, we should go to the spa, get our nails done, and hair. What do you think?” 

That sounds tempting, and as if she could catch my interest, she grinned broadly, 

After I made payment, we stepped outside, where Reed was waiting, as he then handed me the bag. 

“You dropped this, Mrs. King” 

I blushed, snatching the bag, and I noted a smirk from him. 

Desperate not to linger further, I dragged Athena along with me so that we could get a 

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48 Shoes Reflect A Woman’s Heart (2) 

head start. 

-4- 

I still haven’t gotten a reply from Ares. I kept staring at the screen the entire time, waiting for a reply or the bubbles to pop up, but nothing. 

I can’t believe he left me on read. I thought about typing something, but I strongly resisted that urge. It was difficult when I kept typing and untying words until I gave up. 

“I’ll do this, this, and oh this too…” 

I flickered my gaze to Athena in a pink robe like mine and hair tied up in a towel, face covered with a facemask as she chose which nails to get done. 

I can’t believe she was the same person who chased me in the woods with a fake gun. The whole day, I expected her to do something twisted, and I stayed alert the entire time, but she had been nothing but sweet and friendly. 

I don’t know why that creeped me out more than her full–blown pursuit. 

“What would you like, Cat?” 

The attendant handed me the iPad for me to choose. There were several options, but I always loved something simple, a habit I developed while working as a secretary. Flashy nails weren’t advisable; maybe I should stick to that, too. 

“This.” 

She nodded and stepped out. 

“What should I expect when meeting the family?” I cut to the chase, putting down my phone. 

I have been meaning to ask about that after the encounter with that woman. I don’t know why every person I met who knew the kings to a certain degree always had a mystery to tell, like that reporter, for instance. 

It was keeping me in a loop I didn’t like. 

“That’s out of the blue,” Athena commented. “Our activities today should give it away.” 

“So keeping up an appearance is crucial.” 

“Always important.” 

“But that’s the norm. I mean, who doesn’t when meeting in–laws for the first time?” 

“What do you really wanna know, Cat?” 

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< 48 Shoes Reflect A Woman’s Heart [2] 

“I don’t know, you tell me. You’re the one who said Ares has secrets.” 

She tipped her head. “Who doesn’t? It’s more suspicious when someone doesn’t.” 

Great! So much for trying. 

“You think too much, my sweet Cat. You have nothing to worry about, you’re in good hands. As long as we survive the family reunion that is…” 

“We? I was under the impression I was the outsider here, and I need to step up my game somehow.” 

Her smile wavered. “Let’s say I’m not always welcomed. We’re both outsiders.” 

I narrowed my eyes at her words in a questioning look. What’s she talking about? Isn’t she like a princess in her home or something? 

The attendant was back to do our nails, so whatever questions I had sank back in. 

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