Thirty-two: Shopping war

The air suddenly became hazardous as Ivan found it hard to breathe, choking on every single attempt to draw air into his lungs. He froze, thinking of a plausible explanation to tell her that would be good enough for her to believe.

He stared at her, only to notice that she wasn't staring at him but at Mia with a look that depicted utmost displeasure. "Tara," he called out to her, her eyes finally landing on him again. "Hi, what are you actually doing here? Should you not be on the school's vacation trip?"

"I think I should be the one asking you that question. But since you asked first, I will give you an answer. As you know, it is mandatory for every student but definitely not for me. I didn't feel like being there but felt like coming to the world's best shopping complex where real diamonds and gold are actually sold so, here I am." She explained with a smile.

"Oh wow, that sounds awesome actually." Ivan forced a smile.

"You..." Tara raised her index finger at Ivan. "Shouldn't you