Chapter 173 When others got compliments, they beamed with pride. But when Tarquin was praised, it was as if he’d been catcalled. A scowl was plastered across his face! Even the janitor was too intimidated to clean around him, clutching her mop and scurrying away to tidier pastures. The onlookers who’d been ogling him also quickly averted their gaze and pretended to be engrossed in something else. Tarquin stormed into the supermarket, his expression as dark as a thundercloud. It had been ages since he’d set foot in a supermarket and the bustling chaos inside made him furrow his brow in disdain. He cherished his peace and quiet and loathed the noisy crowds. But for the sake of following Elysia, he endured, Like Elysia, he grabbed a shopping cart, determined to buy whatever she bought. She headed for the fruit section, picking up bananas and… what was that spiky monstrosity? Dunian! He grimaced at the pungent aroma but, not wanting to draw attention, he reluctantly hoisted the largest one into his cart. Next was the vegetable aisle. Elysia went for cabbage, Tarquin did the same. She chose broccoli; he added it to his cart. Then came the spices and condiments, and he doggedly followed suit… It wasn’t long before Elysia sensed something was off, feeling eyes constantly on her. Yet every time she glanced back, there was no suspicious figure to be found. Meanwhile, Tarquin caught the eye of everyone in the supermarket. His striking looks, impressive build, and extraordinary aura were impossible to ignore. Plus, his behavior was nothing short of bizarre. He shadowed the beautiful woman ahead, mimicking her every purchase without fail, a first for many of the store’s patrons. If he knew her, why didn’t he speak to her? And if he didn’t, why on earth was he copying her shopping list item for item? His odd behavior reached its peak when he even followed her to the personal care section, grabbing a pack of sanitary pads… The Saleswoman at the feminine hygiene products couldn’t help but whisper to Elysia, “Miss, that gentleman must be your husband, right? Did you two have a spat?” “Huh?” “Don’t be shy, darling Couples bicker–it’s perfectly normal. Don’t take it to heart. Especially since your man is such a catch! Have you seen the way those girls have been eyeing him since he walked in? You let him go today, and they’ll pounce right away. And sure, you’re gorgeous too, but a handsome guy like that is rare. Most men out there are as appealing as a bag of lemons. I’ve been around for a good thirty years, and he’s one of a kind, I tell you. You’re one lucky lady” Elysia was utterly confused. Husband? What spat? She looked around swiftly but saw no one. “There’s nobody following me, ma’am. You must be mistaken” “Oh, no mistake. Everyone’s noticed. He’s been tailing you the whole time, copying your every move. He’s just ducked behind that shelf over there, probably trying to muster up the courage to apologize.” With a frown, Elysia pushed her cart around to the other side of the shelves. That’s when Tarquin emerged. Not seeing Elysia, he scrunched his brow in frustration He approached the spot where Elysia had been standing and, without a second glance, grabbed a few packets of whatever she had been looking at and tossed them into his cart. The saleswoman couldn’t resist chipping in, “Handsome, getting those for your wife? Trying to make up after a tiff? I can tell you’re one of the good ones. Let me help you out! Don’t pick that brand. Go for this one–it’s the top seller in our store. A bit pricier, but quality speaks for itself. Your wife is stunning, and only the best will do for her. Trust me on this and go for this brand“”