Chapter 83: Dressed to Impress
Fable finally found some peace within herself.
After tying the knot, Fable kept things civil and respectful with her husband. But as she tried to warm up to him, the little annoyances of daily life started to pile up.
During her pregnancy, her husband was pretty much checked out. Once the baby arrived, everyone was all about the newborn. Only her friend, who really cared, rushed over to gently dab her cracked lips with a cotton swab.
While everyone else was having a good time, her friend was the only one by her side. That was when Fable started to lose faith in her marriage.
Fable always dreamed of a partner who truly got her, someone who shared her values and outlook on life. Instead, she felt like just an accessory to her husband, stuck in the role of a housewife, losing herself in the process.
She used to be so vibrant, a star at both dancing and singing.
But now, life had worn her down.
Fable looked at Lorna and asked hesitantly, "Ms. Martin, if I get a divorce and go find my friend, can I still have a happy ending?"
Lorna smiled gently. "Fable, if you've already made up your mind, go for it. Your life is yours to control. If your marriage isn't making you happy, then follow your heart."
"Instead of being each other's world, it's better to build your own universe. That quote fits you perfectly, Fable," Lorna said with a smile, pouring her another glass of Spirit Alcohol.
Fable and her husband were just going through the motions.
Fable needed to carve out her own path.
She was quiet for a moment, and Lorna watched as her face lit up with a new sense of clarity.
Fable looked up and laughed heartily. "Ms. Martin! You're right! I should build my own universe!"
Seeing that Fable had truly made up her mind, Lorna encouraged her, "Fable, good fortune awaits you. You'll find happiness in the future."
Fable nodded with a smile, paid for the reading, and turned to leave.
Lorna walked her to the door, watching as she walked away towards the sunrise.
A person like Fable, who could recognize her true desires and face the world with clarity and decisiveness, was truly admirable.
Lorna figured there wouldn't be any more customers at Mystic Haven: Fortune & Fate today, so she closed up shop and took Snow to the neighboring store to get some cake.
Snow still didn't know that Bernard had given the store to Lorna. He followed her inside and saw her casually grabbing a few pieces of cake and turning to leave.
Snow's face turned red with embarrassment as he whispered through gritted teeth, "Lorna! Are you a bandit? Why didn't you pay for the cakes?"
Even though the staff didn't say anything, Snow was worried they might think he was in on it with Lorna, so he pretended to distance himself from her.
Lorna, amused, decided to play along, adopting a sneaky demeanor. She leaned close to Snow, looking around and whispering, "Run! We'll be in trouble if we're caught!"
Just as Snow was about to make a run for it, Lorna pulled him back, laughing. "Are you silly? This store is mine now. Bernard bought it."
Snow glared at her, embarrassed that she made him look foolish, especially with other customers around. He then turned back angrily and grabbed a few more pieces of his favorite strawberry cake from the display.
Lorna shook her head with a smile and leisurely walked out.
Snow returned to the studio, and Marc soon joined him. They quickly put their heads together, engrossed in some unknown activity.
Lorna took a taxi back to the Allard Mansion.
Clara was in the living room, surrounded by shopping bags, trying to decide what to wear.
Curious, Lorna asked as she changed her shoes, "Isn't it just an open day? Do you really need to dress up so much?"
Clara, holding a light green dress against herself, looked at Lorna with worry. "Yes, but after the open day, there's Willie's award ceremony and apprentice selection. I want to stand out to increase my chances of being chosen."
Lorna walked over to help Clara decide. "This light green one is nice, like a sparkling fairy."
Clara put it down and picked up a red short dress. "But with all the greenery and lawns on campus, I might blend into the background. Lorna, how about this red one?"
Lorna touched the dress. "It's pretty, but is it suitable for the occasion? It seems a bit too short."
Clara agreed and tossed it aside. Looking at the pile of new clothes, she scratched her head in frustration and looked at Lorna with puppy eyes. "Lorna, please help me choose."
"This one! This one is perfect!" Lorna exclaimed as she spotted an elegant dress among the pile on the sofa. She pulled it out, examined it closely, and felt it was perfect for Clara. Raising her eyebrows, she handed it to Clara.
"Lorna, isn't it too simple? I liked it before but was worried it might be too plain." Clara looked concerned.
"Do you want to be Willie's apprentice or not?" Lorna was getting a headache from all the clothes.
Clara nodded vigorously. "Of course I do! It's my dream!"
"Is Willie the type to take bribes or use connections?" Lorna asked.
Clara's eyes widened. "Of course not! He is known for his integrity in the industry. He always chooses apprentices based on his own judgment."
Lorna smiled and spread her hands. "There you go! Willie chooses based on your abilities and his own judgment. Why worry so much about your outfit? Do you think wearing something nice will make Willie choose you?"
Clara had an epiphany and smacked her forehead in frustration. "You're right! How could I think like that? I can't believe I got caught up in that!"
"Alright, I think this one looks great. The loose belt at the waist gives it a casual feel. If you style your hair in a relaxed low bun, you'll look amazing!" Lorna laughed.
"Okay, this one it is! Lorna, have you picked out your outfit?" Clara, now decided on her dress, turned to help Lorna.
"Do I have to dress up too? I don't think it's necessary," Lorna said, looking surprised. She found dressing up a waste of time, even though it made her look refined, it always felt tiring.
Clara exclaimed dramatically, "Of course you do! The people attending are all prominent figures. They'll all be dressed to the nines! We can't be outdone."
She immediately dragged Lorna upstairs to her wardrobe to pick an outfit.
As Lorna's bedroom door opened, Clara's voice came from inside. "This backless one looks great!"
"No way, it's too cold. I don't want it!" Lorna protested.
Clara suggested, "How about this one? It's not backless, but it has an open waist."
Clara added, "This one looks nice too."
"Alright, you go out. I'll choose by myself!" Lorna said, pushing Clara out the door in exasperation. If Clara kept choosing, they wouldn't even have time for lunch.
Bernard had bought so many clothes for her, most of which she hadn't worn yet.
Lorna ran her fingers over the clothes hanging in the wardrobe and casually picked a plain goose-yellow dress. It had a great cut, cinched at the waist, with a nice drape, yet it wasn't heavy.
Lorna was pleased, casually styled her hair into a half-up bun, and tied it with a regular hairband before heading out.
Clara was struck by her beauty. "Lorna, you look amazing! Standing next to Bernard, you might just dazzle him with your beauty!"
"What?" Bernard's voice startled them both as it came from behind.
Lorna lifted her skirt slightly and twirled for him. "How do I look?"
Bernard's eyes flashed with admiration, and he smiled. This brand's clothes were nice, modest yet well-designed. It might be worth investing in.
Bernard remarked, "You look stunning! Alright, let's eat and then get ready to go."
The three of them had lunch at home and then drove to Clara's university, Stellar University.
They arrived just in time at 2:50 PM.
Stellar University was expansive, with a vast lawn at the entrance, where many students were walking around with their friends and families.
The university gate was lined with luxury cars, and the people getting out were all dressed impeccably.
Lorna was glad she hadn't worn jeans as she originally planned.
Clara pulled Lorna inside, turning to Bernard. "Bernard, go park the car. We'll wait on the lawn."
"Alright," Bernard replied.