Becomes

Chapter 0045

Serena’s POV

“Girl, your video is blowing up!” Stevie’s text flashes on my screen. “That story is insane. You’ve got to spill–who’s the ex from hell?”

It’s been barely two days since I posted my first storytime video, but it already has over 200K views and 50K likes. I’m shocked that it went viral so quickly.

“Come to the shop later, I’ll spill the details. Can’t talk right now, it’s really busy today,” I text back.

The shop is busier than usual today, and I can’t help but wonder if it’s because of the viral storytime video I posted.

As I’m helping a customer find the perfect piece of jewelry, a woman approaches me with a sharp tone. “Are you the owner of this shop? I need to talk to you,” she demands rudely.

“I’m currently assisting someone, but I’ll be with you as soon as I’m finished,” I reply, trying to keep my tone polite and professional.

I’m amazed by the sense of entitlement this woman has. It’s the first. time I’ve ever had to deal with a potential customer acting like this. But then again, I guess there’s always a first time for everything.

She doesn’t even let me finish. Cutting me off, she accuses, “How dare you drag my daughter in one of your TikTok videos?”

Instantly, I piece it together this must be Doris‘ mother. I respond calmly, making it clear that I haven’t wronged her daughter. “I didn’t drag anyone, Ma’am. I made sure not to mention any names, neither your daughter’s nor my ex–boyfriend’s.”

But she just laughs, a mocking sound that grates on my nerves. “Liar. What else should I expect from someone who makes and sells tacky

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Chapter 0045

jewelry?”

The customer I’ve been helping can’t hold back anymore and jumps in,

gcan’t hold back any

clearly annoyed. “Excuse me? If you don’t appreciate the jewelry here, maybe you should stick to luxury stores. Seems like that’s more your speed, you snotty bitch!”

Everyone in the shop tries to hold back their laughter when they hear the customer’s retort. They pretend to be busy browsing or looking at their phones, but it’s clear they’re all listening. The rude lady glances around, and her face turns red with embarrassment as she realizes she’s become the center of attention for all the wrong reasons.

“Oh, you want to go there, huh?” the lady smirks, shaking off her embarrassment with a sneer. “Alright, I’ll sue you for defamation then, Better start saving for a good lawyer. But looking around this little shop, it seems like you’ll be scraping pennies to afford one.”

I can’t help but feel a mix of frustration and disbelief. “Go ahead,” I say, my patience wearing thin. “But this ‘little shop‘ and its ‘tacky jewelry‘ have a loyal community who appreciate what we do here. And about affording a lawyer? Don’t you worry about me. I’ll manage.”

“Oh, and good luck finding the evidence to back up your lawsuit, huh?” I add, trying to highlight the absurdity of her threat.

She huffs, barely containing her disdain. “I don’t need to win. I just want. to make this difficult for you.”

Her words are veiled, but the intention is clear. She’s hoping to drag me through a legal mess, not necessarily to win, but to make me bleed money and stress over it. I understand then; it’s not about justice for her

– it’s about revenge.

Just as I’m gearing up to ask this woman to leave, a familiar voice cuts through the tension. “Leave her alone, Patty. This is not the place to

make a scene.”

Chapter Dos

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I whip around to see where it’s coming from. There’s Bill, standing not too far off, his arms crossed over his chest like he means business.

He’s staring down the woman who’s been making my day harder. Bill looks like he’s ready to step in and handle the situation, which is the last thing I expected to happen today. It’s weird seeing him stand up for me, especially with everything that’s gone on.

But here he is, looking like he’s on my side, at least for now.