The Unlucky Turn by Mark Twain 59

In her rush to leave, she hadn’t realized she was still wearing the store’s clothes.

When the sales assistant saw Leilani return, she breathed a sigh of relief. Her monthly bonus was safe; if Leilani hadn’t come back, she would have had to cover the cost of the expensive

dress herself.

The assistant quickly processed the payment with enthusiastic efficiency. Within five minutes, Leilani was standing on the curb with her shopping bag.

Her phone vibrated. Leilani opened it to find a text from an unknown number.

[Dr. Sloan! Hello! It’s Judie! The girl you saved today! Thank you so much! When I get out of the hospital, I’ll take you shopping. I know so many hidden gem stores!]

Judie’s enthusiasm and affection practically vibrated through the screen. Leilani looked at the text, feeling a headache coming on. She didn’t know how to reply. She was a solitary person and felt awkward dealing with such sunny, extroverted energy. But not replying seemed rude.

So, Leilani replied briefly: [Rest well. We can talk about gratitude later.]

Just as she put her phone away, another text came in.

Judie: [By the way! My mom also wants to thank you properly. Can we visit your clinic another day?]

Leilani hesitated. She didn’t like dealing with social obligations, but Judie’s sincerity was obvious. Was it bad to refuse twice in a row? Besides, she had opened a clinic, and if they visited, they could be considered potential clients.

Thinking this way, Leilani felt less conflicted. She replied: [Sure, just make an appointment with me in advance.]

She turned off her screen and looked into the distance. Before going abroad, it seemed she had acquired another chore. She didn’t know if it was a good thing or a bad thing.

Since that day, Judie had been texting Leilani constantly to ask her out shopping. Leilani wanted to refuse; she preferred quiet. But Judie had perfect timing. Every time Leilani typed a refusal, Judie would send a pitiful emoji. Her humor was balanced with just the right amount of restraint, as if she knew Leilani would soften up.

Judie was right. Leilani was soft-hearted despite her hard exterior. She couldn’t handle Judie’s combination of persistence, cuteness, and feigned pitifulness. She finally agreed to meet Judie the day before she was set to fly out.

Leilani stood at the entrance of a clubhouse, looking up at the understated yet luxurious building with its black and gold gates. Several expensive luxury cars were parked out front,

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and even the valets’ uniforms exuded subtle nobility. The address Judie sent was for the city’s top private club-members only, entry by invitation. It was clear Judie’s family background was not simple.

“Dr. Sloan!” Judie jogged out, affectionately linking her arm through Leilani’s. “You’re finally here! My mom and my aunt are waiting to meet you!”

Since leaving the hospital, they had only chatted online and hadn’t met in person. Leilani wondered how this girl was so familiar with her.

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