I Ran Away And The Reverse Harem Started Chapter 99

“Seriously, I can’t believe this!”

Lucas had completely torn off the left sleeve of my dress. It was ripped so cleanly that I could probably sew it back together later, but at least for today, it was completely unwearable.

I could understand if a little brother-like guy clinging to me caused an accident, but…

“How in the world does a work dress—one that’s supposed to be super durable—just tear apart like that?”

Back when we were kids, Lucas was small and weak, always getting sick. But now? Now he had this ridiculous strength that I couldn’t comprehend.

It felt like just yesterday that I used to carry him around on my back. And now… now he was tearing clothes apart with his bare hands.

I sighed and glared at Lucas, who was walking ahead of me. He must’ve thought I was praising his strength because I caught him smirking with pride.

I narrowed my eyes at him.

“Lucas, I wasn’t complimenting you, so wipe that look off your face. Got it?”

“Uh… sorry.”

“And just so we’re clear, don’t think I’m grateful that you’re buying me a new dress. You’re making up for the damage you caused. This is compensation. Do you understand? If you did this to anyone else, you’d be in big trouble!”

“Alright, alright, I get it, Rosie! No more nagging… Just leave it to me! I’ll buy you the prettiest dresses!”

Even though I had just scolded him, Lucas quickly forgot about it and grinned excitedly.

Since my maid dress was ruined, we were on our way to buy a new one. And Lucas? He looked like he was ready to fly with excitement.

‘This guy is seriously weird. Why is he so happy about buying my clothes?’

Seeing him bouncing along, it was hard for me to keep frowning. In the end, I let out a small laugh and walked beside him.

Since my work dress was ruined, I had no choice but to wear the precious peach-colored dress Roan had given me. I had wanted to save it for a special occasion, but if I didn’t have it, I wouldn’t have been able to step out at all.

I mean, I couldn’t exactly go out to buy a dress in my underwear, could I?

And Lucas wasn’t the only one who came along for the shopping trip.

“I can understand Colin coming along, but… aren’t you busy?”

I glanced sideways.

At some point, Daniel had casually matched his pace with mine, walking right beside me as if it was the most natural thing in the world.

Noticing my look, Daniel lifted his chin slightly.

“I’m not busy.”

“You always complain about being busy, though?”

“No matter how busy I am, I still have time to buy you a dress.”

He said it so easily, as if it were obvious.

Maybe my face still showed my dissatisfaction because Daniel suddenly leaned in slightly and lowered his voice near my ear.

“Why? Do you only want to be with Colin?”

“Ugh! That again?!”

That stupid Colin thing!

I jumped up in frustration and turned to look behind me—where Colin was literally walking.

I poked Daniel’s side in retaliation, but he just chuckled like he was thoroughly enjoying himself.

‘I really don’t get him sometimes.’

I let out a deep breath and faced forward again.

I could brush off Daniel’s constant teasing about Colin, but why were all three of them following me for clothes shopping?

‘Is buying my dress really that important? Important enough for all three of them to come along?’

And just a few hours ago, they had all gathered so quickly when I suggested having tea in the garden.

Still, it was the first time we had gone shopping together like this. Usually, we only met secretly in the estate.

Plus, I wasn’t going to complain about getting a new dress—especially when Lucas was paying.

Lucas took the lead, puffing out his chest.

“Rosie, pick anything you want. If you ask me to buy an entire boutique, I will.”

“Wow, aren’t you full of yourself? Is your perfume business doing that well?”

“I heard it’s just starting to make a profit. Where’s all this confidence coming from?”

Daniel lazily commented.

Immediately, Lucas—who had been strutting ahead—turned as red as a ripe apple.

“The mood was great just now… Why did you have to say that in front of Rosie?! And I do have talent! I’ll make more money than you someday, Daniel!”

“You think you can surpass my business? With just perfume?”

Daniel scoffed.

Lucas clenched his fists, clearly furious.

To be fair, Daniel was the heir to countless businesses under the Holden name.

Lucas must’ve felt the weight of that gap because his expression tightened—but instead of backing down, he lifted his chin proudly and declared:

“Just wait. I’ll make a name for myself with my perfumes. Bigger than Daniel Leandro himself!”

“I highly doubt that, but sure. I’ll be waiting.”

“Ahhh! If you say one more thing, I swear I’m gonna—!”

“Alright, alright, calm down, guys. No fighting. Look, we’re already here.”

Colin, clearly used to this, smoothly stepped in to pacify Lucas.

Meanwhile, Daniel was still smirking, thoroughly entertained.

Honestly? Watching them argue reminded me so much of our childhood.

The way they bickered, pushed each other’s buttons, and fought—

It was just like back in the orphanage.

Colin finally managed to soothe Lucas and led him ahead toward the boutique.

As I watched them go, I turned to Daniel and muttered:

“Do you enjoy teasing your little brother that much? You’re twenty-three and a Count now, you know.”

Even though I was poking fun at him, Daniel remained completely unfazed.

“You say that like you’re any different. You do the exact same thing.”

“Haha… well, yeah, you’re not wrong.”

To be fair, I did enjoy teasing Lucas, too.

Even after coming to the estate, I never stopped.

I mean, I even laughed when he jokingly suggested we get married. No wonder he sulked for a week.

‘Still… it’s just fun to mess with him, you know?’

I pictured Lucas turning bright pink again, like a peach.

That little brother who had never grown out of his childhood habits.

The thought made me chuckle.

 

 

****

 

 

“Three hours already…”

“This blouse is from our latest collection! It’s made of cream-colored silk, with adorable pearl embellishments on the sleeves. It looks even cuter when paired with this pale blue ribbon!”

“We’ll take that one too.”

“Looks nice, I think it’ll suit Rosie.”

“Rosie, try this one on too!”

Another employee eagerly continued.

“This is a lovely dress for outings, designed by a rising star in the capital! Only three of these were brought to Crown Square. Isn’t the soft green so fresh? It’s perfect for this weather!”

“Looks good. We’ll take it in other colors too.”

“Show us some hats! Also, low-heeled shoes! And a parasol!”

“Oh my, what excellent choices!”

I looked from the endless stream of boutique staff bringing in dresses to the three men beside me, my face drained of energy.

Behind them, the sofa was already buried under a mountain of clothes—some I had tried on, and some I was yet to try.

I stepped out of the fitting room with an exhausted face.

“Enough already… How many outfits am I supposed to try on? I only have one body, you know.”

“You’ve only tried on five so far. There’s still more to go—are you tired already?”

Lucas blinked innocently. Behind him, boutique staff eagerly opened the VIP room doors to bring in yet more outfits.

“I can’t anymore… I feel completely drained.”

“Don’t be weak. Just pick something you like, at least.”

Daniel added, as if that would help.

“Of course, we’ll be buying everything anyway.”

“…”

At some point, Daniel had ended up standing right next to Lucas, watching the growing pile of dresses and blouses with unnerving seriousness.

“Even if you say that… Do I really need this many dresses?”

I glanced warily at the mountain of clothes. At this rate, I could wear a new outfit every day for three weeks without repeating a single one.

This boutique was one of the high-end women’s fashion stores in Crown Square. The moment the staff saw Daniel and his brothers, they had ushered us straight into the VIP room.

And now? Now they were bringing in entire racks of clothes, determined not to waste this golden opportunity.

Lucas, for his part, was spending money like he lived for this moment.

Even I, who had resolved not to refuse gifts, was starting to feel uneasy.

“Ugh… If you run out of money and start crying later, I’m not helping you.”

Lucas, who had been deep in conversation with a staff member about which blouse would match my skin tone, beamed at me.

“That’s fine! If I ever go broke, I’ll just live off of you, Rosie!”

“Yeah, right. Who says I’d take you in?”

Of course, the chances of Lucas—or any of them—ending up bankrupt were basically zero.

Still, no matter how much I complained, Lucas looked absolutely thrilled.

In the end, the dresses Lucas and the others had passionately chosen, along with the hats and shoes I had timidly picked, were neatly packaged into gift boxes. The amount was overwhelming.

“Shall we have the items sent directly to the Druina estate?”

“Yes.”

The boutique staff, having achieved a record-breaking sales day, beamed with delight. I deliberately blurred my vision to avoid seeing the final total on the receipt.

While the three men were finally taking a break on the sofa after their intense shopping spree, I inspected the purchases, checked for any defects, and prepared to sign the receipt.

That’s when one of the employees, looking a bit flustered, approached me discreetly.

“Um… Pardon me for asking, my lady, but… may I ask what your relationship is with those three gentlemen?”

“Huh?”