Chapter 167 Lilian Baker

Chapter 167 Lilian Baker
After spending the last hour trapped inside a car while a storm raged around us, the cozy living room felt almost unreal. The fireplace crackled softly in one corner, chasing away the chill that had settled into my bones.

I found myself relaxing without even realizing it.

Andrew's uncle disappeared into what I assumed was the kitchen before he said anything again.

I leaned closer to Andrew.

"Your uncle seems nice."

"He is."

"He smiles a lot."

Andrew laughed. "That's because you haven't seen him when Aunt Sabrina steals his coffee."

I couldn't help smiling.

A few moments later, his uncle returned carrying a tray with three steaming mugs.

"There we are."

He placed them on the coffee table before handing one to me.

"Hot chocolate."

"Thank you, sir."

"Call me Sam."

I smiled politely. "Thank you... Sam."

He winked. "Much better."

The mug felt wonderfully warm against my cold hands. I wrapped my fingers around it before taking a careful sip.

It was rich and creamy.

"This is amazing."

Sam grinned proudly. "My secret recipe."

Andrew rolled his eyes. "It came from a packet."

Sam gasped dramatically. "Young man, don't expose family secrets in front of guests."

I laughed.

"It still tastes good," Andrew admitted.

"That's because I added love."

"You added marshmallows," Andrew countered.

"Same thing," Sam said.

I laughed again, and for the first time since the rain, everything felt... normal and comfortable.

As Sam wandered back toward the kitchen, I looked around the living room properly.

The house was unlike any I'd ever been in. It wasn't just beautifully decorated. It was... creative.

Colourful fabrics were draped over one armchair. Several mannequins stood neatly against one wall, each wearing different dresses.

Some were complete. Others were unfinished, loose threads hanging from the hems while pieces of chalk still marked the fabric.

A large worktable sat near one of the windows, covered in measuring tapes, scissors, sewing pins, sketchbooks, and rolls of fabric in almost every colour.

Even the dining chairs had pieces of lace hanging over them.

It looked less like a living room and more like half a fashion studio.

I slowly stood.

"Can I...?"

Andrew looked up from his drink. "Can you do what?"

"I just want to look."

"Go ahead."

I wandered toward one of the mannequins.

The dress it wore was breathtaking.

Dark emerald green with a simple neckline. The waist was embroidered with tiny crystals that caught the light every time I moved.

I reached out carefully, brushing the fabric with my fingertips.

Andrew walked over beside me.

"My aunt made that."

"Seriously?"

He nodded. "She makes almost everything in this house."

I looked around again. "All these dresses?"

"Yes."

"And these sketches?"

"Hers too."

I picked up one of the sketchbooks from the table.

Every page contained elegant fashion illustrations. Some designs looked ready for a runway. Others were covered with notes and adjustments.

"She's incredible."

Andrew smiled proudly. "She's a fashion designer."

"Professional?" I asked, looking at him.

"Very."

"She designs clothes for fashion shows," he added.

"Seriously?"

He nodded. "Models wear her designs all the time."

My eyes widened more.

"I thought this was just... a hobby."

He chuckled. "This is her life."

I slowly turned in another circle, suddenly seeing the house differently.

"I've never met a fashion designer before."

"You have now."

"I suddenly feel underdressed."

Andrew laughed. "You would've said that no matter what you wore."

I nodded before I continued with the sight seeing. I was examining a royal blue gown when the front door finally opened.

"Sam!" A cheerful female voice echoed through the hallway. "I'm home!"

Sam appeared almost instantly.

"Took you long enough."

"I know." The woman sighed dramatically as she stepped inside. "The roads were a nightmare."

She removed her coat before spotting Andrew.

"Andrew!"

Her tired expression immediately brightened as she crossed the room and pulled him into a hug.

"When did you get here?"

"Not quite long."

"I'm so sorry,” she shook her head. "I couldn't move anywhere because of that storm."

"It's alright."

Then her eyes landed on me.

"And this must be Lily."

"You know my name?"

She smiled warmly. "Susan talks about you."

I wasn't sure whether that should comfort or worry me.

She walked over and hugged me before I had time to react.

"It's lovely to finally meet you."

"You too."

She stepped back. "I'm terribly sorry for keeping you both waiting."

"It's fine," Andrew replied. "We've been entertained."

She looked around the room knowingly.

"My dresses again?"

"They're beautiful,” I admitted honestly.

"Thank you,” she said, looking genuinely touched. "I spend so much time criticizing my own work that compliments always surprise me."

"They shouldn't,” I said. "They're amazing."

She laughed. "I like you already."

Then she suddenly clapped her hands together.

"Well… I suppose we'd better make you both comfortable."

Andrew frowned slightly. "What do you mean?"

"You didn't think you were leaving tonight, did you?" She asked, tilting her head.

"What?" Andrew spat.

She pointed toward the window. "It's pitch black outside. The roads are still flooded in several places. I just came through them."

Then she shook her head firmly. "I'm not sending either of you back tonight."

I glanced toward the window.

Beyond the glass, there was nothing but darkness.
The storm had stopped, but everything outside still looked dangerous.

Andrew nodded slowly.

"But I'll call home."

"Whatever,” Sabrina responded.

"Now..."

She suddenly looked directly at me.

"There is one tiny favour I'd like to ask."

"Me?"

"Yes."

I exchanged a confused glance with Andrew.

"What kind of favour?"

She clasped her hands together excitedly.

"I'm finishing a collection."

I nodded, though I had no idea where this was going.

"Everything is ready except one final fitting."

She smiled apologetically. "My model couldn't make it because of the storm."

"Oh."

"I just need someone roughly her height." She looked me up and down thoughtfully. "You'll do perfectly."

I laughed awkwardly.

"I don't think…"

Before I could finish, she smiled knowingly.

"Susan recommended you."

"What?"

“She wanted you here even before the storm.”

I stared at her.

"She... what?"

Sabrina nodded casually, as if she'd said something completely ordinary.

"She said you were exactly the size I needed."

I slowly turned toward Andrew. He looked just as confused as I felt.

Neither of us had known anything about this.

"So..." I said carefully. "Susan knew you needed a model?"

"Of course,” Sabrina replied. "That's why she asked you to come with Andrew."

My heart skipped.

I had thought we were driving all this way just to collect something from Sabrina.

Instead, there had never been anything to collect at all.

The errand had all been an excuse… an excuse to bring me here.

I stood there speechless, my mind racing through every conversation I'd had with Susan that evening.

”If you want to see more, pretend you didn't see anything.”

Then...

"Go with Andrew."

So she had planned this.

But why? Why me? Why hadn't she simply told me the truth?

I looked back at Sabrina, who was smiling expectantly, completely unaware of the storm of questions raging inside my head.

I had come expecting to pick up a package. Instead, I had become one.