Chapter 42 Why So Beautiful?
The staff member turned back with a patient smile. "Is something wrong, Miss?"
Audrey bit her lower lip, feeling a little nervous. "Is this... really good, right? Does it suit me?" she asked softly, looking in the mirror again as if trying to find a flaw she might have missed.
The staff member walked back closer, observing Audrey carefully. "Miss, honestly, this gown is absolutely perfect for you. The cut is right, the color highlights your skin, and the impression is elegant without looking excessive," she explained with a tone full of conviction, just like her smile.
"But..." Audrey looked down slightly, her fingers nervously tidying the waist part of the dress. "I'm not used to wearing clothes like this. It feels too conspicuous."
The staff member chuckled softly. "Miss, if you don't stand out, who will steal the attention at that dinner party? Besides, I'm sure Mr. Harrington has a reason why he brought you here and chose the best."
Those words made Audrey's cheeks feel hot. She quickly shook her head. "It's not like that... this is just work."
"In that case, show that you can shine in your work," the staff member replied, followed by a playful wink. "You have chosen the right gown. Now, confidence is key."
Audrey sighed deeply, looking at her reflection in the mirror one more time. Inwardly, she agreed that the dress looked good. But the thought of Elliot possibly noticing made her even more nervous.
"Alright. If this is truly the best..." Audrey still sounded hesitant.
"Trust me, Miss. This will be an unforgettable look," the staff member said, smiling broadly before stepping out of the fitting room.
Audrey stood still for a few seconds, tidying the dress for the last time. She took a deep breath, trying to dispel the awkwardness that still enveloped her.
"I'm just his secretary, just his secretary!" she muttered to herself, as if trying to convince a heart that was starting to feel restless. Although she knew something was slowly changing and becoming harder for her to deny.
Meanwhile, outside the fitting room, Elliot sat on the sofa with his phone, although his attention was not entirely focused on the screen.
The man looked up when the boutique staff member told Audrey to step out of the fitting room. Slow footsteps were heard approaching, and when Audrey's figure appeared from behind the curtain, time seemed to stop for a moment.
The woman was wearing an elegant dark blue gown, with a simple yet elegant cut, framing her body perfectly without looking excessive. Her flowing hair added softness to her appearance, while her face, without much makeup, looked fresh and natural.
Elliot, for the first time in a long time, felt speechless.
His chest suddenly felt tight, as if the air in the room had disappeared. He tried hard to keep his facial expression calm, but his gaze could not leave Audrey.
The small details that the man usually ignored—the curve of her shoulder, the way the dress moved with her steps, even the awkward smile on the woman's lips—all seemed so captivating.
"Sir?" Audrey called, her soft voice breaking the silence. Her eyes looked at Elliot hesitantly, clearly disturbed by the man's gaze, which felt more intense than usual.
Elliot immediately straightened his body, hiding his nervousness behind a cold demeanor. He pretended to glance at his phone for a moment before looking back at Audrey.
"It's sufficient," he said curtly, sounding flat, but of course, his heart was violently churning.
Audrey frowned. "What do you mean, Sir? Is it too conspicuous?" she asked, trying to read her boss's reaction.
"No!" Elliot answered quickly, slightly louder, surprising the others a little.
He cleared his throat, calming himself. "It's... appropriate. No need to change anything else."
The boutique staff member standing near them smiled broadly. "I told you, Sir. This gown choice is absolutely perfect for Miss Audrey."
Elliot only faintly pulled the corner of his mouth, trying to avoid further discussion. "Prepare everything. Including accessories and a makeup artist."
The staff member nodded. "Would you like a matching outfit prepared for you, Sir?"
Elliot seemed to think while glancing at Audrey briefly. The woman looked slightly tense for some reason.
Does she not want to look like a couple with me?
"Just make sure it's not too contrasting with Audrey's," Elliot finally said. "You know my size, right? I'll wear it when everything is ready."
"Yes, Sir." The staff member bowed briefly before finally inviting Audrey to do the next things.
Before Audrey returned to the fitting room, she managed to glance at Elliot again.
The man's face looked calm, as usual, but there was something in his eyes that made Audrey wonder.
After Audrey disappeared from sight, Elliot immediately let out a long sigh of relief. His hand instinctively reached for the water bottle on the table, trying to dispel the heat that had inexplicably started running through him.
The image of how stunning his secretary looked in that dress was left so clearly in his mind!
"Damn it! Why did she become so beautiful?!" he thought, frustrated with himself.