Web Novel
Rejected By My Mate; Claimed By Lycan Quadruplets Chapter 283
The bright lights of the Parisian shopping mall twinkled as Ryan and Juliette walked side by side, weaving through the bustling crowd.
The air was filled with the scent of fresh pastries, perfumes, and the occasional whiff of coffee drifting from nearby cafes.
“So,” Juliette began, glancing at Ryan with a playful smile, “what kind of gift do you think your daughter would like? Or you don’t know what she likes?”
Ryan rubbed the back of his neck, his eyes scanning the shelves stacked with colorful toys and plush animals.
“Well, I think Amy loves dolls and anything pink,” he said with a small laugh. “But she’s also really into puzzles lately.”
Juliette grinned. “A smart girl, I see. Let’s find something that will challenge her but still be fun.”
She led him to a display filled with different puzzles, picking up one shaped like the Eiffel Tower. “How about this? It’s Paris in a puzzle!”
Ryan took the box from her and examined it closely. “That’s actually perfect. She’ll love it.”
Juliette placed her hands on her hips. “See? I have great taste.”
Ryan chuckled. “I can’t argue with that.”
They continued walking, pausing at different sections of the store.
At one point, Juliette picked up a tiny pink dress with frilly sleeves and held it up to Ryan. “What about this? She’ll look adorable in it.”
Ryan laughed. “She would. But Kate would probably have something to say about it if she finds out I bought stuff for Amy.”
Juliette raised an eyebrow. “Kate? Oh right, your girlfriend.”
Ryan’s expression faltered for a moment before he shook his head. “She’s… not exactly my girlfriend.”
Juliette gave him a curious glance but didn’t press further. Instead, she held the dress up again.
“Then it’s settled. We’re getting this for Amy. I don’t care what Kate or whatever her name is— thinks!”
After filling their shopping bags with clothes, toys, and souvenirs, they walked toward the checkout counter.
Ryan watched Juliette carefully place everything onto the counter, her eyes gleaming with excitement.
“You know,” he said, leaning closer, “you’re really good at this. Maybe you should be a professional gift shopper.”
Juliette laughed.
“I think I missed my calling. Imagine me traveling the world, picking out the perfect gifts for people!”
Ryan smirked. “You’d be amazing at it.”
After they finished shopping, Ryan looked at Juliette and said, “Before we head back, I want to try the street food again. I won’t get another chance before I leave tomorrow.”
Juliette’s face lit up. “Yes! I was hoping you’d say that. Let’s go!”
The bustling street was alive with activity as they made their way to the food stalls.
The aroma of sizzling meats, fried pastries, and sweet crepes filled the air. Ryan looked around in awe.
“I can’t believe I’ve never tried this before.”
Juliette nudged him playfully. “I told you, street food is the best.”
They stopped at a stall where a man was flipping golden-brown crepes.
Juliette ordered two, topping hers with strawberries and cream while Ryan opted for chocolate and nuts.
They stood by the side, enjoying their treats.
Ryan took a bite and closed his eyes. “This is amazing.”
Juliette giggled. “Told you so. You should always trust me when it comes to food.”
Ryan smirked. “Noted.”
As they walked further down the street, Juliette pointed at a vendor selling tiny trinkets.
“Look at these keychains. We should get matching ones!”
Ryan chuckled. “Matching keychains? What are we, teenagers?”
Juliette rolled her eyes. “Come on, it’ll be a fun memory.”
Ryan gave in and picked out a keychain in the shape of a tiny croissant. “Alright, I’ll take this one.”
Juliette beamed. “Perfect choice. I’ll take the Eiffel Tower one.”
They walked slowly, their conversation flowing effortlessly.
Juliette talked about her childhood memories in Paris, and Ryan shared stories about his travels for business.
“Paris has a way of making people feel like they belong,” Juliette said, looking up at the stars.
Ryan nodded. “Yeah… it does.”
After a while, Ryan’s assistant and the client assistant, who had been waiting by a nearby café, called out. “Sir, we should head back soon.”
Ryan sighed. “Guess it’s time to say goodbye to the streets of Paris.”
Juliette smiled. “Don’t worry. You can always come back.”
Back at the hotel, Ryan placed the shopping bags on the table and stretched his arms.
Juliette sat on the edge of the bed, watching him with a soft expression.
“I’m really going to miss this,” she said, her voice gentle. “It feels like I’ve known you forever.”
Ryan sat beside her, looking into her eyes. “I’ll miss you too, Juliette. You’ve made this trip… memorable.”
Juliette smirked. “Well, I aim to please.”
They sat in silence for a moment before Juliette leaned in, and Ryan met her halfway.
Their lips touched, and soon, they were lost in each other once more.
The next morning, Ryan woke up to the sight of Juliette folding his shirts neatly into his suitcase. He blinked in surprise.
“You’re awake already?”
Juliette smiled without looking up. “Of course. Someone had to make sure you didn’t forget anything.”
Ryan sat up and ran a hand through his hair. “Thanks, Juliette. I appreciate it.”
A knock at the door interrupted them, and Jefferson’s voice came through.
“Sir, we need to leave soon. Mr. Laurent is waiting.”
Ryan sighed and hurried to freshen up while Juliette zipped up his luggage.
Once they stepped out, Mr. Laurent stood by the car with a few hotel staff, waiting to see him off.
Ryan turned to Juliette one last time and pulled her into a warm hug. “Take care of yourself, Juliette.”
She smiled, hugging him tightly. “You too, Ryan. Don’t forget to send me a picture of Amy with her gifts.”
Ryan laughed. “I will.”
As he got into the car, Jefferson smirked. “Falling in love, boss?”
Ryan scoffed. “It’s not like that.”
Jefferson raised an eyebrow.
“Really? You sure? Because from where I was standing, it looked like something special.”
Ryan exhaled and looked out of the window.
“Juliette made me forget my troubles for a while. But now, I’m heading back to face them again.”
Jefferson nodded knowingly. “Yeah… reality waits for no one.”
As the car pulled away, Ryan leaned back in his seat, thinking about everything waiting for him back home.