Chapter 81 One Glance, A Lifetime Mistake
"You didn't forget, did you? You said kissing and touching can make feelings stronger."
"But, but..." Sophia scratched her head, remembering what just happened. Her cheeks turned beet red.
She had said that, but something felt off.
"Alright, go change your clothes. I'll have a new outfit made for you tomorrow," Benjamin gently ruffled Sophia's hair, his eyes full of amusement.
"Why get a new one? I think this dress is fine," Sophia looked at Benjamin, puzzled.
Benjamin was silent for a moment before slowly saying, "This dress isn't quite right for you. I'll have something more suitable made."
The dress was too revealing.
Benjamin couldn't stand the thought of other men ogling Sophia. He might just lose his temper and gouge their eyes out.
"But I really like this dress," Sophia lowered her head, feeling wronged.
A flash of tenderness crossed Benjamin's eyes.
After a moment of contemplation, he said, "I'll see if there's a matching shawl available. If you really like it, you can wear it with the shawl."
Sophia tilted her head, thinking it over, then looked down at herself and understood Benjamin's concern.
She stepped forward, hooking her pinky around his and giving it a little shake. "Babe, you don't want other guys checking me out, do you?"
Benjamin raised an eyebrow, surprised at how quickly Sophia had figured out his thoughts.
"Yeah," Benjamin replied helplessly.
Sophia's eyes widened in shock as she looked at Benjamin in disbelief.
"So, for everyone's safety, please wear the shawl. Okay?" Benjamin said with a forced smile.
Somehow, Sophia felt a chill down her spine when she saw that smile.
She reluctantly agreed.
The next morning, Benjamin indeed had a matching shawl delivered.
With the shawl, the dress became more modest, but it still couldn't hide her stunning curves.
Designer Vivian helped Sophia adjust the shawl, her eyes full of admiration. "Mrs. White, you look absolutely stunning. I've designed clothes for many people, but no one has ever worn them quite like you."
"What do you mean?" Sophia asked curiously.
Vivian rested her chin on her hand, thinking for a moment before saying, "It's like love at first sight!"
Sophia laughed at the notion.
With her delicate makeup, her features seemed even more exquisite.
When she smiled, she looked like a rosebud about to bloom, vibrant and alluring.
Vivian couldn't help but stare for a moment.
Realizing she had been entranced by another woman, Vivian's cheeks reddened slightly.
She stole a glance at Sophia, relieved to see she hadn't noticed her lapse.
After Vivian left, Sophia studied herself in the mirror.
The fluffy skirt swayed with her movements, creating ripples in the air.
The soft pink and purple hues made her skin look even more delicate.
Sophia felt a rush of excitement.
As Celestia came downstairs, she ran into the departing designer, Vivian.
Vivian was a renowned fashion designer; her evening gowns coveted by countless socialites.
Even with money, they were hard to come by.
Seeing the designer, Celestia's eyes lit up.
She quickly approached Vivian. "Vivian, what brings you to the White Manor?"
Vivian paused, then realized the girl must be Celestia, the only daughter of the White family.
She smiled politely at Celestia and explained, "A few days ago, Mr. White ordered an evening gown for his wife from me. I'm here to adjust the fit."
"What? Benjamin ordered an evening gown for that woman?" Celestia's eyes widened in shock, her voice rising.
Vivian's dresses were priceless, even she couldn't get one.
The thought of Benjamin ordering a gown for Sophia made Celestia's eyes burn with jealousy.
Sophia was just a country girl. How could she deserve to wear a gown designed by Vivian?
Vivian could hear the anger and resentment in Celestia's voice, but could only smile awkwardly.
She hadn't expected to hear such gossip at the White Manor.
"Ms. White, if there's nothing else, I'll be going. I have work to do at my studio," Vivian said politely, nodding at Celestia before turning to leave.
"Vivian, wait."
Celestia called out, her expression troubled.
Vivian stopped, raising an eyebrow in confusion. "Is there something else, Ms. White?"
"Vivian, I really love your evening gowns."
"Thank you, Ms. White. I'm honored." Vivian remained composed, showing no sign of excitement at Celestia's praise.
Celestia bit her lip, silently cursing Vivian for being so ungrateful.
Forcing a smile, she said softly, "Vivian, I'm wondering if that pink and purple dress you recently designed is still available?"
"Which one are you referring to, Ms. White?"
"The pink and purple one! I really like it. Name your price, and I'll buy it." Celestia had been eyeing that dress for a long time.
Every detail of the dress matched her taste perfectly, as if it were made for her.
She was determined to get it.
"Unfortunately, that dress has already been sold," Vivian replied with a smile.
"What? Who bought it?" Celestia's eyes widened in shock.
That dress was expensive, affordable only to the wealthy.
She had even saved up several months' allowance to buy it.
And now she was told it had been sold?
How could she not be furious?
Vivian smiled, pointing upstairs. "Ms. White, Mr. White bought that dress for his wife. I've never seen anyone more suited to it than Mrs. White."
Vivian's voice was full of admiration when she mentioned Sophia.
As a designer, she had seen countless women.
But none as stunning as Sophia.
Celestia's face changed, staring incredulously in the direction of the second floor.
"Are you saying that dress... Sophia, that little tramp... She bought it?" Celestia's expression almost cracked.