Maggie clutched her handbag tightly as she arrived at the upscale shopping district in the city center. She had discovered the name “Wolf’s Dance” when searching online. However, the reality in front of her exceeded her expectations. Majestic fashion buildings stood grandly, occupying a vast space, leaving Maggie in awe.
Maggie’s heart raced in her chest as she entered the store, a mix of nervousness and uncertainty. Warm air enveloped her as opulent decorations caught her eye. Well-dressed sales assistants moved gracefully among elegantly attired customers, catering to their every whim.
Tugging nervously at her slightly worn-out down jacket, Maggie felt perspiration forming on her forehead, unsure if it was due to warmth or her own anxiety. Just as she was trying to calm herself, a stunning and well-proportioned female sales associate approached her, casting a careful eye over Maggie’s attire. There was a flicker of surprise on the sales associate’s face, but it quickly vanished behind a professional smile.
“Good afternoon,” the sales associate politely greeted, her voice gentle and refined. “Welcome to ‘Wolf’s Dance.’ How can I assist you today?”
Maggie took a deep breath, summoning her courage, and explained with a tone of hope and urgency, “Hello, I purchased a handbag from here approximately a month ago, and I’d like to return it.”
The sales associate’s expression momentarily froze, a trace of understanding flashed across her face, but she maintained her smile. “Of course, please follow me,” she said.
Nervously, Maggie followed the sales associate as their steps led them into an elevator. Her head was still spinning – was this just an ordinary store? It felt more like a high-end mall, vast in size, and all under the same brand! Along the way, she encountered well-dressed women and even recognized some celebrities she had seen on TV. How had Max and Linda, two unemployed drifters, gathered the courage to shop here? Maggie couldn’t help but admire their audacity.
“Hello, ma’am. Which item would you like to return?” the customer service representative asked, pulling Maggie’s attention back to the present.
Maggie quickly opened the tightly held box and retrieved the handbag. “Hello, I would like to return this handbag,” she said.
The representative smiled as she accepted the handbag. “Do you have the purchase receipt?”
Maggie sounded apologetic. “I’m sorry, I misplaced the receipt. However, this handbag has a serial number that should be recorded in your system to confirm my purchase.”
The representative cast a glance at Maggie’s simple attire, her expression slightly furrowed, showing hesitation. “Ma’am, without the purchase receipt, it’s challenging to verify the authenticity of this handbag…”
Maggie had anticipated this and took back her credit card. “This is the credit card I used for the purchase; it’s mine. You can verify it to ensure the handbag wasn’t stolen.”
The representative hesitated for a moment, slightly surprised by Maggie’s straightforwardness, then smiled and accepted the credit card. “I’m sorry, please wait a moment.”
Maggie breathed a sigh of relief, watching as the representative lowered her head and started working on the computer.
The representative raised her gaze and asked, “Ma’am, may I have your full name?”
“I’m Maggie Nelson,” she replied, recalling Linda’s mocking imitation of her signature, igniting a surge of anger within her.
Her stomach churned with burning acidity, and a sharp pain contorted Maggie’s face. She couldn’t help but pat her belly. “Okay, baby. Remember, Mommy promised not to get angry.”
The representative nodded. “Alright, everything has been verified, Mrs. Nelson. Please wait; we still need to inspect the handbag.”
Maggie watched as the customer service representative meticulously examined every inch of the handbag.
After a while, the representative finally looked up at Maggie, and Maggie sensed something was amiss. “What’s wrong? Is there an issue?” she inquired.
The representative furrowed her brow slightly, raising an eyebrow as she spoke in a serious tone, “Mrs. Nelson, there is a deep scratch on the inner compartment of the handbag, as well as a significant foundation stain. According to our policy, we cannot accept a return under these circumstances.”
Maggie’s eyes dimmed, and she quickly snatched the handbag, thoroughly searching every inch of it. Just as she suspected!
Maggie muttered under her breath, “Linda, you… You really messed things up.”
Maggie looked at the representative and pleaded, “Is there any way to make an exception? I really need to return it. I can’t afford this handbag with my current financial situation.”
The representative’s tone became more sympathetic. “I’m truly sorry, we can provide free repairs for the handbag, but we cannot process a return. Is there anything else I can assist you with?”
Maggie refused to give up. “Isn’t there any way at all? Perhaps a partial return? It would at least ease my burden a bit.”
The representative’s tone grew less accommodating. “I’m truly sorry, but we have no such provisions.”
Maggie slumped her shoulders in defeat, tears uncontrollably welling up in her eyes. Betrayed by her boyfriend and saddled with his debt to another woman, when would this life of despair ever end?
Maggie stood there silently, her mood heavy and despondent.
Suddenly, the customer service representative straightened in her seat, and a nervous smile appeared on her face. “Boss, hello!”
Before Maggie could react, she heard a low yet familiar voice from behind.
“Is there a problem here?” the voice inquired.
Maggie turned around, and to her surprise, her eyes widened.
Him? He’s the boss here?