**A Promise Written on the Rusted Edge of Time by Dael Rowan Sire**
**Chapter 75**
Before Ethan’s parents could even begin to respond to the unexpected question hanging in the air, Avery swiftly interjected, her voice firm and unwavering.
“Nobody. You misheard.”
His parents exchanged bewildered glances, their expressions a mix of confusion and curiosity.
But Ethan, oblivious to the silent exchange of looks, seized Avery’s arm with a sense of urgency and guided her toward his car, his enthusiasm palpable.
“Perfect timing! You’re here! You should be done with that conversation, right? Awesome. Let’s get out of here!”
As they drove, an enveloping silence settled around them, thick and heavy, leaving only the sound of the engine to fill the void.
When the car finally came to a halt, Avery blinked in surprise as she realized they had arrived at an upscale boutique, the kind that sparkled with luxury and elegance.
Ethan stepped out, his demeanor commanding as he instructed the staff to bring forth an array of clothes, shoes, and bags for her to try on.
Avery frowned, her confusion deepening. “What the hell is all this for?”
With an air of authority, Ethan nudged her toward the dressing room, his tone brooking no argument. “Just try them on.”
She hesitated, attempting to protest, but the sales associate had already closed the door behind her, busily unpacking boxes filled with garments.
One by one, Avery donned the outfits, each time stepping out to show Ethan, who snapped photos with an enthusiasm that felt overwhelming. After each session, he would usher her back into the dressing room, urging her to try on yet another ensemble.
The cycle continued, and soon Avery found herself trying on what felt like hundreds of outfits, each more extravagant than the last. Fatigue began to settle in; the high heels dug into her feet, leaving painful, raw spots that throbbed with every step.
Finally, she pushed past the sales associate, her patience worn thin, and limped toward Ethan, who was still engrossed in his phone.
“Look, I don’t need you to buy me things to apologize—”
Before she could finish her thought, he interrupted her with a wave of his hand, his voice steady and insistent. “Pack up everything except the burgundy dress and have it delivered to Miss Sophia Grant at Silverlake Estate.”
Avery’s words faltered, dying in her throat as she watched him casually swipe his credit card, the gesture nonchalant and dismissive.
“You made me try on all this stuff… for your girlfriend?” she managed to croak out, her voice barely above a whisper, laced with disbelief and hurt.
Ethan nodded, a slight smirk playing on his lips. “Yeah. I wanted to get my girl some gifts, but I wasn’t sure what she’d like. You two are about the same size, so I figured you’d make the perfect model.”
He continued, his excitement bubbling over. “Next, we’re hitting the dessert shop, the jewelry store, and the makeup counter upstairs. You can test everything for me. Gotta make sure Sophia gets only the best.”
Avery felt a surge of anger rise within her, a fire igniting that she could no longer contain.

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