Episode 14

Liz and Cecilia departed with their driver to the mall, leaving Enzo behind in his office, basking in the sense of victory because today Liz would finally spend his money. For months he had been depositing substantial amounts into her account, yet she had never touched it. Enzo received a call and had to head to his company to solve a problem.

Liz: Ceci, shall we look for curtains?

Cecilia: Curtains?

Liz: Yes, is there a problem?

Cecilia: No, we can go.

Liz and Cecilia visited a store with beautiful curtains, each more exquisite than the last. One in particular caught Liz's eye; it was a smooth burgundy curtain, whereas another was white, elaborately patterned with burgundy flowers. Liz purchased a white sofa and burgundy rugs to match the curtains, as well as vases and an assortment of flowers, vibrant paintings, and a few decorative items. Cecilia was puzzled but did not question their choices; after all, Liz was in charge. Liz paid for everything with her credit card, splitting the cost into installments so she could manage it with her salary. She would never consider using Enzo's money.

Enzo's house was bland, lifeless, devoid of vibrancy. Upon their return, Liz called a friend who worked with her on community projects, and he arrived swiftly to collect the furniture donations, including sofas and various other pieces. Once he had taken everything away, the new items arrived, and Liz began eagerly arranging them all. She had a security guard hang the curtains due to their height, positioned the sofas and other furniture, laid the rug, and placed a coffee table on top of it. Cecilia distributed flower vases throughout, and gradually they finished up.

After completing the home makeover, Liz went to her room for a shower. When Enzo got home and entered the living room, he was utterly confused. He stepped out and back in, double-checking if it was indeed his house.

Enzo: What happened to my home?

Cecilia: Liz redecorated everything; do you like it?

Enzo: It doesn't matter.

Come with me.

They proceed to the office.

Enzo: How did she behave?

Cecilia: It was very calm, sir. Liz purchased the items you see in the living room, and then we returned home.

Enzo opened his laptop and checked how much Liz had spent. Noticing that the money in her account remained untouched, he furrowed his brow.

Enzo: How did she pay for all her purchases?

Cecilia: She used her credit card and split the cost over several installments.

Enzo: I can't believe this.

Do you know the total cost of it all?

Cecilia: No.

Enzo: Okay, leave.

Cecilia exited, leaving Enzo in deep thought. He went to Liz's room and, hearing the shower running, rifled through her bag. Inside he found an old cracked-screen phone, some credit cards, tampons, loose change, identification documents, sunscreen, and coins. He then examined the closet and saw the box he had given her, still containing everything inside. Her wardrobe held few items, consisting of seemingly cheap, inferior fabrics, her shoe collection was sparse, and she owned merely three purses. No fine jewelry was to be found, only a modest collection of costume jewelry. Outraged, Enzo stormed off to his room.

Sitting on his bed, he was in shock; despite having a state-of-the-art phone he had given her and millions in her account, she preferred an outdated cellphone and settled her purchases via credit card installments. This struck him as odd – her simplicity intrigued him because, even though she could afford anything she desired, she chose to remain unpretentious.