The frantic customers. The exhausted cashiers. The long lines. All of it was mayhem, and the last thing she needed was more chaos in her life. In an attempt to avoid the crowds, Melanie had chosen a high-end department store to do the last of her shopping. There was only one gift left on her list, and it had to be special. And in her world, special was just another word for expensive. Melanie stood at a glass case, looking down at the selection of designer watches. The one that caught her eye was undeniably gorgeous, made of titanium ceramic, and equipped with enough functions to pilot a small plane. “May I help you?” The man behind the counter beamed. It was impossible to ignore the excitement in his voice. Melanie pointed at the silver watch. “I’d like to see that one, please.” “Oh, that’s a fine choice,” he said as he reached for his keys. The man lifted the watch out of the case and handed it to her.
