By the time they returned to the palace in the afternoon, four servants were struggling to carry the volume of bags Gideon had insisted on purchasing.
Adeline had tried to curb the spending, but every time she hesitated, he simply added another item to the pile.
"You spent far too much today," Adeline said, glancing back at the heavily laden staff. "And you didn't buy a single thing for yourself."
Gideon didn't even break his stride. "My wardrobe is already full," he said dismissively. "And why are you worried about the cost? My wife deserves the best."
Adeline felt the heat rise to her cheeks. "I'm not your wife yet."
Gideon slowed, turning his head to look at her with an unwavering, possessive gaze. "You will be soon."
Before she could respond, his half-sister, Vivian, emerged from the corridor ahead, blocking their path.
She scanned the mountain of shopping bags with a curled lip, her expression tight with disdain.
