“Lilah, you haven't met her, have you? This is Ruby Lynn, the face of the Phillips Group's timepiece collection!" Adaline moved toward Ruby, attempting to loop her arm through hers, but Ruby deftly sidestepped the gesture. Her initially cool demeanor softened as she regarded Lilah. "It's been quite some time, Lilah."

Her voice was inviting, laced with familiarity.

Adaline's brow creased in confusion. How were they acquainted?

"It has indeed," Lilah responded, her surprise giving way to warmth as Ruby hugged her.

Ruby spoke; emotion tinged her voice. "Five years! I can't express how much your absence was felt during your time abroad!"

Guilt gnawed at Lilah.

During their school years, Ruby had been her closest confidante. But unforeseen events had occurred suddenly, and she couldn't get in touch with Ruby...

Subsequently, Lilah learned of Ruby's meteoric rise to stardom, achieving celebrity status within a mere two years. She had been engrossed in international projects and was presumably fresh from her return to her home country.

After a prolonged embrace, they parted. Lilah appraised Ruby, noting her evolved features. She was now more sophisticated, and she exuded a commanding elegance about her.

"I've missed you as well. Have you just returned?" Lilah asked.

“Just now, actually. What serendipity to encounter you immediately upon my return! Are you here to shop? Come, what catches your eye?

Allow me to take care of the expenses." Ruby, brimming with enthusiasm, clasped Lilah's hand, guiding her toward the counter.

Adaline, trailing behind, simmered with envy.

Yet, she was powerless; after all, Ruby was their esteemed brand ambassador. She couldn't possibly oust her.

Why did they share a past? This was something she needed to unravel!

Lilah's eyes scanned the array before her, eventually settling on a sophisticated deep blue men's wristwatch that seemed tailor-made for Gerard. “This one, please.”

Catching on, Ruby nudged her playfully. “Oh, is there a special someone? When do I get to meet him?"

“He's not exactly my boyfriend just yet," Lilah responded, a hint of bashfulness in her tone.

"What? How can any man overlook you? You're stunning. Were I a man, I'd propose on the spot!"

"You're ever the tease." Lilah chuckled. "But it shouldn't be much longer."

Contemplating Gerard summoned a broad smile to Lilah's Lips, rendering her indifferent to Ruby's gentle ribbing.

Since the watch was intended for Gerard, Lilah insisted on settling the bill herself. Ruby, however, was resolute, gifting Lilah another wristwatch, which she graciously accepted.

“Back in our school days, I was strapped for cash, and you covered my tuition. Now that I'm financially secure, it's my turn to return the favor. Anything you fancy, it's yours," Ruby declared with conviction, touching Lilah's heart. "Alright, then."

"How about dinner? What are you in the mood for?" Ruby inquired cheerfully, looping her arm through Lilah's.