Ch. 73 #2
The staff immediately bowed and ushered them in. Selene sank into the plush velvet couch like a queen claiming her throne, glancing at the menu without much interest.
Before she could even open the menu, Jaxen leaned slightly toward her, resting one arm on the back of the couch as if he belonged there.
"I suggest you try our latest bestseller cakes," he said smoothly, his voice calm but carrying a hint of amusement. "The patisserie on this floor just updated their menu last week. The chocolate mousse and the strawberry mille-feuille are selling out every day."
"You sound like the owner." Selene looked at him, one eyebrow lifting.
"Not the owner. Just... familiar with the place." Jaxen smirked faintly.
Of course he was.
This mall was one of the Montclair properties. Every brand, every store, every menu update passed through reports he had already seen. He knew exactly which desserts sold best, which chef got promoted, even which café needed renovation next quarter.
But instead of saying all that, he leaned closer and tapped the menu lightly.
"You'll like this one," he added, pointing at the premium cake set.
"It's not too sweet. Fits your taste."
"...Since when do you know my taste?" Selene narrowed her eyes slightly.
"I pay attention." Jaxen's smirk deepened, just a little.
Behind them, Raze quietly shifted the paper bags in his arms, pretending to look at the display near the counter but clearly listening to every word.
Tch.
Of course this guy knows everything.
Of course he owns the mall.
Of course he can recommend expensive cakes like it's nothing.
Raze tightened his grip on the handles of the bags.
Show-off.
"Sir, would you like me to prepare the premium dessert set?" The waiter approached respectfully. Jaxen nodded without even checking the price.
"Yes. And bring the signature drinks too."
Raze's jaw tightened slightly.
He glanced at the menu for a second, then immediately looked away when he saw the numbers.
...That's half my monthly salary.
He looked at Selene instead, watching how casually she sat there, legs crossed, flipping the page like none of this was a big deal.
Something twisted in his chest.
His expression hardened, but only for a moment.
Fine.
Then I'll just work harder.
He shifted the bags again and muttered quietly to himself,
"I'll take more shifts... part-time, overtime, whatever. I'll work 24/7 if I have to." He glanced at Selene.
I'll give you a better life myself.
Jaxen, meanwhile, was still talking like he had all the time in the world.
"You should also try the cheesecake," he added, looking at her instead of the menu.
"The chef trained in France. I approved the contract myself."
"...You approved it yourself?" Selene blinked.
"Uh, I forgot. This mall is under Montclair. I check things sometimes." Jaxen shrugged casually.
Raze almost scoffed out loud but stopped himself.
Look at him...
He's really flexing now.
Selene stared at Jaxen for a second, then leaned back again, crossing her arms.
"You're doing too much just to recommend cake."
"I'm just making sure you get the best." Jaxen chuckled softly.
Their eyes met for a moment. Raze looked away first.
Damn it... why does this feel like I'm losing without even competing...fuck!
The waiter returned a moment later, carefully placing the desserts on the table one by one. Elegant plates, perfectly decorated cakes, and tall glasses of signature drinks quickly filled the small table.
Selene blinked at the display.
"...That's a lot."
She looked at Jaxen, then at the waiter, then back at the cakes. Her lips curved slightly as she leaned back against the couch.
"Is this on the house?" she asked lightly, half joking. "Or are you planning to send me the bill later?"
Jaxen didn't even hesitate.
"It's on the house," he said calmly. "Eat whatever you want."
He leaned back, crossing one leg over the other like it was the most natural thing in the world.
"And for the rest of your shopping... just use my black card."
"...Seriously?" Selene paused mid-reach.
"You're already here. Might as well enjoy it." Jaxen met her eyes, completely unfazed.
For a second, Selene stared at him, trying to see if he was joking.
He wasn't.
"Well... if you insist." A small smirk appeared on her lips.
She didn't refuse.
Why would she?
Saving money was saving money.
She picked up her fork and took a small bite of the cake, nodding in approval.
"Not bad."
Then her eyes shifted to the side. Raze was still standing there, holding the paper bags, looking like he didn't even know if he was allowed to sit. Selene frowned slightly.
"...Why are you still standing?"
"Huh?" Raze blinked.
She patted the seat beside her casually.
"Sit. Eat."
"It's fine, I can—" He hesitated.
"Sit," she repeated, already cutting another piece of cake. "You carried everything. At least eat."
Without waiting for his answer, she pulled one of the plates closer to him. Raze slowly sat down beside her, a little stiff, but his ears were slightly red.
"...Thanks."
Across the table, Jaxen's jaw tightened for a split second.
Of course he noticed.
He was the one who ordered the desserts. He was the one who paid.
He was the one trying to impress her.
And yet... she called the other guy to sit next to her.
Jaxen picked up his glass, hiding the small irritation in his eyes.
"So," he said casually, though his gaze went straight to Raze, "you're enjoying yourself."
Raze glanced at him, expression calm but sharp.
"Yeah. Thanks for the food." The tone sounded polite.
"You're welcome." Jaxen smirked faintly.
Raze took a bite of the cake, then added quietly, "Didn't know the mall owner personally serves desserts to guests."
"I don't. Only to special ones." Jaxen's smile didn't change.
Their eyes met.
For a second, the air between them turned heavy again. Selene froze mid-bite. She slowly lowered her fork and looked at both of them.
One glance.
Just one.
Her glare was cold, sharp, and very clear.
It means 'Stop...or I will strike the both of you.'
Jaxen immediately coughed lightly, straightening his tie as if nothing happened.
"...The cake is good," he said, adjusting his posture.
"Yeah. Good." Raze looked away and grabbed his drink.
Silence.
Selene sighed internally.
Men will always be men.
She took another bite, pretending not to notice anything. Her gaze drifted to the table, then to the mall outside the glass walls, full of lights, people, luxury stores.