Thirty Days Of September

chapter 41: the attack

On the other hand, Candice strolled through the upscale shopping district, the thrill of her shopping spree coursing through her veins. She had plans to splurge on the latest fashion trends, hoping to create a fresh start after her confrontation with Atasha. The sun shone brightly, and Candice felt like she was on top of the world as she filled her arms with designer bags, imagining how her friends would envy her new wardrobe.

After an hour of shopping, she approached the cashier, her heart racing with excitement. The clerk scanned the items-an elegant dress, a pair of chic heels, and a stunning handbag. Candice smiled confidently, already picturing herself flaunting her new look at the next social gathering.

"Your total is Php120,000," the cashier said, her tone polite but businesslike.

Candice pulled out her credit card, a smug grin on her face. "No problem, my card has no credit limit" she said, waving her hand dismissively. But as the cashier slid the card through the machine, a look of confusion replaced the clerk's previous cheerfulness.

"I'm sorry, but your card has been denied," the cashier said, glancing up at Candice.

"What do you mean denied?" Candice replied, irritation seeping into her voice. "Try it again."

The cashier tried again, her fingers tapping on the keyboard as she re-entered the information. But with each attempt, the response was the same. Candice felt her cheeks flush with anger.

"This can't be happening!" she snapped, glaring at the cashier. "There must be some mistake. Let me try another card."

Candice pulled out another credit card, her hands shaking with frustration. But the result was the same-declined. She could feel her heart pounding in her chest as panic set in.

"Ma'am, I'm sorry, but all your cards are showing as declined," the cashier said, trying to remain calm in the face of Candice's escalating fury.

Candice's face burned with humiliation. "This is unacceptable! I have money! I demand to speak to your manager!"

As the cashier called for the manager, Candice's mind raced. The reality of the situation crashed down on her like a tidal wave. Aaron must have cut off her access to his accounts, realizing she had been draining his funds for her own selfish needs. The anger coursing through her veins morphed into a potent mix of rage and desperation.

When the manager arrived, Candice quickly explained her situation, but it did little to alleviate her growing sense of panic. After a brief discussion, the manager confirmed what she already knew-her accounts were frozen.

"Is there anything else I can assist you with today?" the manager asked, his tone sympathetic but firm.

Candice felt the tears prickling at the corners of her eyes. "You can't just deny me service! I need this!"

"Unfortunately, ma'am, we can't override the payment system," he replied gently. "You may want to check with your bank about the issue."

As she stormed out of the store, the bags she had gathered felt heavy in her hands-not just from their contents but from the weight of her growing realization. Aaron had cut her off completely, severing their financial ties and leaving her to face the consequences of her actions alone.

Back in her car, she gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles white with frustration. The life she had envisioned for herself, one filled with luxury and privilege, was slipping away. She couldn't believe how quickly things had turned. It wasn't just the money-this was about control.

Candice took a deep breath, steeling herself. She wouldn't let this setback defeat her. She had to come up with a plan to regain what she felt was rightfully hers. As she drove away from the shopping district, her mind raced with thoughts of revenge and reclaiming her position. She refused to be sidelined by Atasha or anyone else.