Chapter 68: Walk
According to the schedule that Christian and I had set up for Ruby, she had two mandatory days off per week — days when she could relax and take a break from her school schedule.
These days off were an opportunity for her to take a break from her books and classes, and for me, they were a chance to spend time with my niece and give her my undivided attention.
Work and other responsibilities consumed me almost completely on normal days. I often caught myself thinking that my life was a series of endless worries, and only when I was with Ruby could I feel that I was truly living. That’s why every moment we spent together was priceless to me.
And so, on one of those long-awaited weekends, Ruby and I decided to go into town. We didn’t have any specific plans — just to walk the streets, listen to the bustle of the capital, look in the shops, and maybe buy something tasty at the market.
On days like these, I tried not to rush her and let her choose what she wanted to do.
In addition to our usual walk around the city and spending time together, we had another important goal — to visit a tailor’s shop.
Ruby had recently gone through a period of rapid growth, which meant that her wardrobe was quickly becoming outdated. It was that age when children change so quickly that their clothes literally can’t keep up with their growth.
The dresses and outfits we bought her just six months ago were now too small and uncomfortable for her. So we decided to combine business with pleasure: in addition to walking around the city, we would also buy new clothes for Ruby.
To do this, we headed to Madame Bergine’s atelier, one of the most famous and prestigious clothing boutiques in the capital.
This place was famous not only for its exquisite taste and high-quality products but also for its individual approach to each customer.
When we entered, we were greeted by Madame Bergine herself. Her posture, manners, and friendly gaze immediately created the feeling that you were in a place where every customer was important.
"Welcome!" she said warmly. "How can I help you today?"
I immediately explained that we were looking for new dresses for Ruby.
"Oh, you’re incredibly lucky!" Madame Bergine replied enthusiastically. "We just recently received a new collection of children’s clothing, and I’m sure you’ll find something suitable for your niece here."
The owner handed Ruby and me a beautifully designed catalog featuring a variety of styles. The dresses were all different: light and airy, decorated with lace and ribbons; more formal ones for special occasions; and bright ones with original patterns.
Ruby leafed through the pages with interest, stopping at the models she particularly liked. Soon, she had chosen several dresses, each of which looked truly exquisite and elegant.
"Great," I smiled. "Let’s try them on right now."
We headed to the spacious fitting room, where Ruby began to change into the selected outfits. I stayed in the visitor’s room, waiting for her to finish. A few minutes later, she came out, a little embarrassed.
"Auntie, what do you think?" the girl asked timidly, showing off the first dress.
"It looks wonderful on you," I smiled. "What do you think?"
"I like it too!"
"Good. Then let’s try on a few more dresses."
In the end, Ruby happily tried on one dress after another, each of which looked simply gorgeous on her.
I couldn’t help but admire how these outfits emphasized her natural beauty, which was already so evident at such a young age.
Finally, when the fitting was almost over, I decided to ask:
"Ruby, which dress did you like the most?"
She thought for a moment.
"I don’t know..." the girl admitted. "They’re all so beautiful that it’s very difficult to choose just one."
I smiled and, understanding her dilemma, said:
"Okay. Then we’ll buy them all."
Ruby’s eyes widened in surprise.
"What?" she exclaimed. "But Auntie... they’re so expensive!"
"It’s okay," I replied with a smile. "If you like them, I can buy them all."
After all, what else am I working so hard for if not to make my niece happy?
Although Ruby seemed confused and excited by my decision at first, she soon lit up with joy, and I felt my own heart fill with warmth.
"Thank you, Auntie!" she exclaimed, hugging me.
"Take your time and get changed," I smiled. "I’ll wait for you outside."
"Okay, Auntie!" Ruby replied and disappeared into the fitting room again.
While Ruby was changing, I went to the cash register and paid for our purchase. The total for several dresses from a prestigious boutique was indeed impressive, but I didn’t feel the slightest regret.
Nothing was more precious to me than my niece’s smile and happiness.
I also arranged for all the purchased items to be delivered directly to the Weinstein estate so that we wouldn’t have to carry them ourselves.
After that, I went outside to wait for Ruby. After two hours spent in the rather stuffy boutique, I now enjoyed a breath of fresh air.
Just as I was lost in my thoughts for a few seconds, someone’s hand suddenly grabbed my wrist. The cold, clinging touch sent a shock through me.
I instinctively flinched and turned around sharply, and at that moment a man in a dark cloak appeared in front of me.
His face was hidden by the deep shadow of his hood, and I couldn’t make out his features. The incident was so sudden that it took my breath away.
"You must come with me," he said insistently.
"What? Wait!" I gasped and tried to break free, but his grip was so strong it felt like steel. His fingers seemed to dig into my skin, preventing me from moving.
"Ms. Weinstein, please, we don’t have time to talk. We have to go before she returns!" His voice was firm.
What? I was even more stunned that this man knew my name.
My heart began to beat faster, and I attempted to break free.
"Stop!" I said firmly, trying to sound as confident as possible, even though I was trembling inside. "I’m not going anywhere with you!"
But he didn’t seem to hear my words. His voice became increasingly sharp and demanding:
"You don’t understand! We have to go, and immediately!"
I opened my mouth to scream, but at that moment, a familiar voice sounded behind me:
"Auntie?"
I turned around instantly. My heart skipped a beat. Ruby was standing in front of me. Her big eyes looked at me with surprise and concern.
"Auntie, what are you doing?"
I blinked, not believing my eyes.
"What? But just now..."
However, when I turned back around, the man in the cloak who had just tried to take me away had already disappeared.
A couple of passersby were walking a little farther away, and the coachman was standing peacefully by the carriage, lazily holding the reins. But there was no trace of the stranger.
He disappeared as suddenly as he had appeared. I stood on the sidewalk, stunned and confused, not understanding what had just happened.
What? What the hell was that? He was just here!
"Auntie?" Ruby called out to me again.
"Hmm?"
"Are you okay?" Ruby asked, concerned.
"Yes... I’m fine," I finally came to my senses and took a deep breath.
Ruby frowned, but fortunately didn’t ask any more questions.
After a few seconds of gathering my thoughts, I finally turned to Ruby and asked,
"Are you done?"
"Yes."
"Good... Then let’s go."
In the end, still somewhat distracted, I took Ruby by the hand, and we headed for the carriage. My mind was still reeling from this strange incident.
We got in, the coachman clicked his reins, and the wheels creaked on the cobblestones.
Ruby was talking excitedly about trying on dresses, but her words reached me muffled, as if through a thick layer of water. I nodded and smiled mechanically, though my thoughts were far away.
I pressed my palm harder against my hand. Where someone’s fingers had recently squeezed me, there still seemed to be a trace — an unpleasant, sticky feeling.
Well, maybe it really was just some street lunatic. Maybe a thief or a madman. In a big city, such incidents are not uncommon. Probably, I just overreacted, and it would be better to just forget about it.
Yes. That’s right. Just forget.
I forced myself to nod, as if to convince myself of this.