(Freya's POV).
I gasped in shock when I saw Jason and a woman walk into my room with Lawrence. My hands were shaking in shock at what I saw in front of me right now.
"Miss. Vivian, they are clients who want to order a dress for their wedding," Lawrence said walking up to me.
"Oh, uh, yes, please have a seat." I gasped and hurriedly stood up to them. I was trying to hide all my surprised and nervous expressions.
"Hello, I'm Rachel Sands and this is my boyfriend, Jason Everton. We're getting married." She gave me a big smile.
I nervously returned their handshakes one by one especially when Jason kept looking at me relentlessly.
Oh, God... it's been four years since I left Jason. I didn't expect to see him again, and he was getting married.
"I'm Vivian Harrow," I said, "Lawrence, please bring them drinks," I ordered.
"Yes, Miss. Vivian."
"So, have you guys thought about what kind of dress you want?" I asked after we sat down on the couch. I sat next to Rachel and Jason sat in front of us. Staring at me, watching me intently. It made me feel uncomfortable, but I tried to be professional.
Of all the clients, why should Jason?
"We don't have any concept yet, but we see that you have a very beautiful collection of dresses. And this is our first time here because of a friend's recommendation. He said that you're good at this, so we'll just entrust it to you," Rachel said.
"Friend? Yes, I heard that. May I know who recommended you to come to my boutique?"
"Devan Harrison Haven. Do you know him?" I dropped my gaze to Jason as he spoke while looking at me. I was a little surprised by his answer.
Did Devan look into my life so that he knew about my boutique?
"Yes, I know him."
"Oh, really?" He gave me a probing look.
I hurriedly smiled. "He came to the auction my family held and bought the auction dinner with me. That's why I know him," I replied.
"I thought you guys were close which is why he recommended your boutique to us," Jason said.
"It was our first meeting. But I'm very grateful that he recommended my boutique to you." I smile at him.
"Oh, I didn't know it was Devan who recommended it. I thought it was another friend of yours," Rachel said.
Jason shook his head. "No, Devan specifically recommended this boutique."
"I guess he had a good impression of your boutique," Rachel said to me. She smiled broadly.
"Yes, I think so," I replied. I tried to catch my breath. My heart was about to explode because Jason had been looking at me with a probing gaze.
I knew what he thought of me, but I had to hold myself together. I want so badly to hug him, to tell him that it's me, Freya, but I'm living my new life. And I wish we were living our own lives.
"These are some of my collection dress designs. You can see if there's anything you like or not. And maybe some opinions from you on what you want for the wedding dress you want to wear," I explained as I showed Rachel my design collection book.
"Wow, they're all so beautiful. I think I like this," she said, pointing to one of the dress designs I had made. "But can you make it transparent? With no sleeves and an open back? But I want a veil too."
"Oh, yes, sure. Wait a minute," I picked up my book and tried to make the dress design according to what Rachel said. "Like this? Do you like it?"
"Perfect! It's very beautiful."
"We can choose some fabrics and customize them to your skin and preferences. And measure for body measurements too," I explained.
"Yes, I'll leave it to you."
"We will measure your body first and for the fabric, we will look for some samples first before we do the fitting next. I'll also finalize the dress design for the last finish and email it to you."
"Sure. Can you measure Jason's body first? I think I need to take this call because it's been buzzing," Rachel said.
"Yes, sure." I glanced at Jason who was still watching me.
"Thanks. I'll be right back, Babe." She gave Jason a quick peck on the lips before exiting our room.
"Sir, could you stand up so I can measure you?" I asked him.
He stood up to me. With his gaze still fixed on me. Although nervous, I tried to be calm as I measured her body. Swallowing my saliva with difficulty.
"Your name is Vivian Harrow?" he asked, suddenly.
"Yes."
"You look a lot like someone I know." I paused. Getting a goosebump at his words. I glanced at him before I went back to sizing him up.
"Oh, really? Lately, a lot of people have been saying I look like someone they know."
"Did Devan ask the same thing?"
"Yes." I looked at him, giving him a brief smile. "Done," I told him. I put my pen on the book and looked at the door. "Looks like Miss Rachel isn't back yet," I said.
"You look a lot like her." I gasped, catching him looking at me. His gaze seemed to want to strip me naked forcibly and I didn't like the feeling it gave me.
"Well..."
"Can I hug you?"
"What?"
"Just for a minute," he whispered, "you look so much like the person I love. The person who was so precious to me. Once," he smiled wryly, "but now I've lost her. She's gone."
I suddenly felt a pain in my chest. It felt tight as I looked at the sad, lost expression on his face. Of all the people I know, I'm sure he felt the most guilt and loss when I decided to leave.
"I'm sorry, but I..."
"Please?" he frowned. "Maybe this sounds crazy. You look so much like her that you make me miss her again. But I indeed miss her a lot."
I was silent for a few moments without saying anything. I didn't know how to react to his request, but I couldn't bear to look at the sad expression on his face.
"Alright," I muttered.
I froze as I felt his hands wrap around my body. Hugging me tightly with his burly arms. I felt my eyes heat up with overwhelming emotions, but I tried to hold them back.
"I missed you so much..."