The afternoon sun glinted off the metallic edges of the workshop, reflecting against Jason's wrist as he tightened the last bolt on the half-repaired engine. Sweat lined his brow, but his movements were steady and deliberate. The engine purred softly—a sound that always gave him quiet satisfaction.
He wiped his hands on a rag, stood upright, and stretched his back. One of the younger workers, a cheerful guy named Kenny, called out from behind an old sedan.
"Boss, you leaving early today?"
Jason turned slightly, a half-smile tugging his lips. "Something like that."
Kenny smirked. "Got a secret date again? Maybe that rich lady you've been texting?"
The others burst into laughter. Jason shook his head, but his silence only made them laugh harder.
"C'mon, tell us, Jason!" one of them shouted. "We won't tell Sam!"
Jason chuckled lightly. "You'd tell Sam before I even get out the gate."
The group roared again, and even the foreman joined in from his corner, wiping grease off his apron. "Let the man be, boys! A little mystery keeps life interesting."
Jason only smiled, checking his reflection on the car's shiny hood before setting his tools down neatly. "Keep the engines running smooth while I'm gone. And don't scratch the red coupe, or I'll make you polish it till dawn."
More laughter followed as he walked toward the exit, bag slung over his shoulder.
Outside, a black Mercedes idled by the curb. The driver—a quiet man in his forties with silver hair—stepped out and nodded. Jason entered the car, the doors shutting with a muted thud. The workshop noise faded behind him.
He leaned back, watching the city pass by through the tinted windows. It wasn't often he spent money on himself. But today felt different. He wanted to look presentable—not just for Elena, but for Sophie too. They were visiting the mansion, and he wanted them both to feel confident, not overshadowed.
The car pulled up in front of D'Vera Luxe Boutique—one of the most exclusive fashion houses in the city. The building itself gleamed with marble and glass, like it had been carved for the rich alone. Jason stepped out, his casual clothes looking out of place among the line of luxury vehicles parked outside.
Inside, the boutique was cool and quiet, perfumed with expensive scents. A few staff stood by polished counters, eyeing him curiously as he entered. He could feel their gaze—the kind that weighed and judged.
"Good afternoon," Jason greeted calmly, scanning the racks of suits and dresses.
One of the attendants, a young woman with perfect hair and an artificial smile, approached him. "Sir, can I help you?" she asked, her tone polite but cold.
"Yes," Jason replied. "I need a few outfits. Something formal. For both a man and a young lady."
The woman blinked, hesitated, and then said, "Ah… we specialize in luxury brands. Perhaps you'd be more comfortable at the stores downtown?"
Jason's lips curved slightly. "I'm comfortable here."
She hesitated again, clearly uncertain. "Of course. Right this way."
She led him through the aisles reluctantly, showing him various suits. Jason picked a charcoal-gray three-piece and a white designer shirt. Then, he spotted a royal blue gown displayed under soft lighting. The fabric shimmered like liquid sapphire—it reminded him of Sophie's eyes when she smiled.
He stopped. "That dress. How much?"
The attendant's expression shifted, almost nervous. "Oh, that one is… very high-end."
"I asked for the price," Jason said evenly.
She smiled weakly. "It's not something you'd want to—well, it's a hundred thousand dollars, sir."
Jason's brow rose slightly. A hundred thousand? It was a lot for a single dress, yes—but it wasn't impossible for him now.
She continued awkwardly, "It's a unique piece. Hand-sewn crystals, imported fabric. But… perhaps I could show you something more affordable—"
Jason looked at her calmly, his tone firm but controlled. "You think I can't afford it?"
Her cheeks flushed. "No, sir, I didn't mean that—"
Jason took a sleek black card from his wallet and handed it to her. "I'll take it. Along with the other clothes."
The woman froze. Even the manager at the far end of the boutique turned his head when he saw the card's color. Jason stood tall, quiet, watching as her confidence crumbled.
"Y-yes, sir," she stammered. "Of course, right away."
Another staff member quickly joined her, offering him bottled water and bowing slightly as if to make up for their earlier doubt. Jason nodded politely, his expression calm.
While they packed his selections, the earlier attendant returned, visibly embarrassed. "I—I'm sorry for the misunderstanding, sir. It's just we rarely get—"
Jason's gaze softened slightly. "It's alright. People often judge what they see. Just remember—what's on the outside isn't always the truth."
Her face turned red. "Yes, sir. You're right."
Moments later, the manager himself appeared. "Sir, we appreciate your patronage. I've added a complimentary tie and cufflink set from our new collection. Please accept them."
Jason nodded once. "Thank you."
The staff carried his bags outside to the waiting car. As Jason stepped back into the Mercedes, the young attendant peeked through the boutique window, watching him leave with wide eyes.
Inside the car, Jason exhaled slowly. The city lights were just beginning to flicker as dusk approached. He looked at the blue dress folded neatly beside him—the shimmer of its crystals catching the fading sunlight.
He smiled faintly. "She'll love it," he murmured to himself.
The driver glanced at him through the mirror. "Heading home, sir?"
"Yes," Jason said. "Home."
The car glided into the traffic, and Jason leaned back once more, feeling a quiet satisfaction. He wasn't the poor mechanic people saw anymore. But more than that—he wasn't living just for himself. Every decision, every step forward, was for Sophie's comfort, Elena's happiness, and the life he was slowly, finally building from the ashes.