I'm Not A Loser

Chapter 10

Steve Hart hurriedly made his way back to the Cattegirn family residence, concerned that Callista might divulge something unsettling to Agatha about what had just happened.

Upon Steve's arrival at home, he found Agatha in the living room, enjoying her breakfast.

"What happened to you?" Agatha inquired, eyeing Steve's bruised face.

"Oh, just a tumble during my morning run," Steve explained.

Agatha nodded, leaving Steve wondering if she had heard anything about the recent events from Callista.

"What's up?" Agatha asked, sensing something odd about Steve's demeanor.

"Oh, it's nothing... have you seen Callista by any chance?"

"Callista? Was she here? Where? I didn't see her," Agatha replied, glancing around the house.

Steve sighed in relief, realizing that Callista had likely left immediately after picking up her forgotten car.

"Hufthhh... seems like maintaining one's dignity pays off," Steve muttered.

Steve had a sense of why Callista might have withheld the recent happenings – not wanting anyone, especially Agatha, her cousin, to know she had lost face to someone like Steve in a game she had devised herself.

"Uhm, I can't decide whether to be grateful or annoyed about this," Steve muttered, aware that Callista's perception of him probably wouldn't change.

"Hey, why are you daydreaming?" Agatha asked, finding it odd that Steve remained motionless at the entrance.

"Oh, sorry... I'll get to tidying up the house then," Steve said.

"No, that's not what I meant. For your task today, it's better to forget it. Just drive me somewhere for the day," Agatha said.

Raising an eyebrow, Steve questioned, "Becoming your personal chauffeur?"

Agatha paused before replying, "You could say so."

Steve agreed, understanding that Agatha's request essentially meant an order he couldn't refuse.

After preparing in his room, Steve was called by Agatha.

Agatha handed him the car keys, and they departed as per Agatha's request.

"Take me to the mall downtown. I want to buy something there," Agatha said during their journey.

Steve simply nodded, directing the car to the destination Agatha requested. There wasn't much conversation afterward. Things seemed to revert to normal.

Agatha's indifferent demeanor never bothered Steve, at least until last night. Now, it was challenging for Steve to view Agatha in the same light after guessing her true feelings.

"Stop dwelling on stupid things," Steve muttered. He tried to push the thoughts that were flooding his mind away.

After driving for a while, they arrived at the Avebury downtown mall. Steve headed to the largest mall in town, situated in the heart of the city.

"Please, Miss Agatha," Steve said, opening the car door for Agatha.

Agatha nodded, about to step out when she suddenly turned to find Steve still rooted to his spot.

"What's wrong?" Agatha asked abruptly.

Steve looked confused, frustrating Agatha before she grabbed his arm, pulling him into the mall with her.

Steve followed, surprised as this had never happened before. Although he had accompanied Agatha before, he had always waited in the parking lot.

"Don't get it wrong, I just want you to carry my shopping inside," Agatha said suddenly.

"Ohhh... I see," Steve said, feeling a little disappointed for reasons he couldn't quite comprehend.

Agatha led Steve to a jewelry store immediately after entering the mall, where her presence was warmly welcomed by the attending staff.

"Miss Agatha, what kind of jewelry are you looking for this time?" the store attendant asked, wearing a friendly smile.

"Let me have a look around first. If there's something I like, I'll call you," Agatha replied, observing the jewelry on display.

"Sure, Miss Agatha," the store attendant said, glancing cynically at Steve.

"What the heck is that glance? Shouldn't she know that Agatha is married, why does she keep calling her miss?" muttered Steve Hart, swallowing his irritation.

Agatha spent quite some time looking at the jewelry, but none seemed to catch her eye.

This change in Agatha's mood didn't escape Steve's notice, even with just a passing glance.

"Sorry, are there no other pieces besides these?" Agatha asked the store attendant.

"If Miss Agatha desires something superior to what's here, I'll specially arrange it for you," the attendant replied, asking Agatha to wait.

Shortly after, the attendant returned with a man in his mid-twenties carrying a large glass box containing a luxurious diamond necklace.

"Miss Agatha, you're back. It's good to see you here again," the man carrying the box greeted Agatha, obviously familiar with her.

Agatha replied briefly, focusing more on the glass box the man held.

"Manager, how much is it?" Agatha asked, instantly drawn to the diamond necklace despite only glimpsing at it.

"Hahaha, Miss Agatha has a keen eye. You're lucky to come here today," the manager, also known as the man, replied.

The manager explained that the diamond necklace was not for sale as it was intended for auction.

Agatha felt disappointed upon hearing this, "So, I can't buy it?"

"If it's Miss Agatha asking, I'll do my best," the manager assured, not wanting Agatha to feel disheartened.

"How much then?" Agatha asked eagerly.

"Hmmm... one million dollars, perhaps?"

Agatha's initial excitement faded, realizing that even the amount in her debit card didn't reach half of the price.

"Miss Agatha, is there a problem?" the manager asked, noticing her changing expression.

"No, it's just... could I pay a smaller sum upfront?" Agatha asked, hoping to secure the diamond necklace with the $300,000 in her account.

[Ding!]

[Mission appears: Fulfill Agatha's wish and make her happy]

‘I'll do it even if you’re not asking,’ Steve murmured, catching a glimpse of the message that appeared before him.