CHAPTER 113: WEDDING DRESS

Daisy’s smile brightened the moment she spotted Aurora waiting in front of the bridal boutique.

"Did you wait long?" She slipped her arm through Aurora’s and leaned in to peek at her face, only to pause in surprise. "What’s wrong? Are you sick?"

Aurora shook her head quickly. "I must’ve caught a fever after I got back from Kingsley’s. It just... comes and goes."

"How about a doctor? Did you see one?" Daisy shifted, moving in front of her to search her expression.

"Ah... I did. The doctor said it’s probably just a cold from the early morning wind." Aurora smiled, though it didn’t quite reach her eyes.

Daisy squeezed her hands warmly. "Is that why you’ve been taking leave for a week? If you’re still not feeling well, you should rest. I can look around by myself. Theo said he’d come later anyway, so it’s fine..."

"No, it’s okay. I think I just needed some fresh air. Being stuck in my room for a whole week was making me restless." Aurora forced another smile before tilting her head. "So... you really decided to go ahead with the reception?"

Daisy nodded, her lips curving softly. "Theo said it’s for the best. That letting everyone know I’m his wife would be the best way to protect me..."

Aurora’s smile softened at her words. "He’s right. And honestly, you deserve a beautiful reception."

Still holding onto each other, they stepped into the bridal boutique. The bell above the door chimed, and the sweet scent of fresh flowers drifted through the air. Rows of shimmering gowns lined the walls, their fabrics catching the soft light as if they were waiting just for Daisy.

Aurora let out a small laugh, her eyes brightening for the first time that day. "Looks like you’re going to have trouble choosing. Every dress here looks like it was made for you."

Daisy chuckled, playfully nudging her. "Don’t exaggerate. Just help me pick something before Theo gets here, or he might faint from all the lace and sparkles."

While running her fingers over a gown’s delicate lace, Aurora tilted her head. "So... have you and Theo decided on the date for the wedding reception?"

Daisy paused, her hand resting lightly on the fabric. A faint smile tugged at her lips. "There’s a bit of conflict about that," she chuckled softly. "His parents wanted it as early as next month, can you believe that? That’s barely two weeks away. But Theo, being cold as ever, just brushed them off and said he’ll go with whatever I decide."

Aurora laughed, her eyes twinkling. "That’s not cold, Daisy. That’s him letting the world know that your word comes first."

Daisy’s cheeks warmed, though she rolled her eyes playfully. "Or maybe he just doesn’t want to deal with all the planning himself."

"Maybe," Aurora teased, nudging her gently. "But either way, he’s making it clear... you’re the one who gets to choose."

Daisy just nodded. "So I decided on a month from now..."

Aurora’s eyes slightly widened. "A month from now? Are you sure? Isn’t that too fast?"

Daisy let her gaze wander over the rows of gowns, the sparkle of sequins catching in her eyes as she shook her head softly. "There are a lot of things that have been bothering my mind, and I think... The sooner we settle this wedding reception, the better. Dragging it out will only make it heavier for me."

Aurora studied her for a moment, then reached out to give her hand a light squeeze. "I hope your life will be good from now on..."

"You too..." Daisy squeezed Aurora’s hand back. "Oh!" She suddenly arched her brows as she recalled something. "I’ve always wanted to ask you this... but I was afraid you wouldn’t want to share... Aurora, what actually happened that night?"

"What night?" Aurora asked, pretending not to understand Daisy’s question.

Daisy gazed at her warmly. "Hmm... nothing... it’s okay if you’re still not ready to share with me. But just know, I will smack that playboy Liam if he ever did anything bad to you..."

Aurora grinned wide, holding back her laughter. "Can you smack him, like, right now?"

"Should I? Should I call him here—"

"No—No!" Aurora instantly refused. "I’m joking..." But her face looked genuinely worried, like she really didn’t want to face Liam at all.

Daisy immediately sensed something was wrong. She stepped closer and lowered her voice. "Let’s not pick my dress today. Let’s go somewhere and talk..."

Aurora shook her head quickly, forcing a small smile. "No, no... don’t worry about me. This is your day, Daisy. I don’t want to ruin your preparations."

"But Aurora—"

"Really," she cut in softly, squeezing Daisy’s hand again. "Nothing’s wrong. I just... I don’t feel that good today. Maybe it’s the lack of sleep or something. Don’t mind me."

Her smile was there, but Daisy could see the way her eyes flickered, as if she was hiding more than she was willing to admit.

"Oh, this one looks good..." Aurora quickly reached for a gown, her fingers brushing over the fabric as though it required her full attention. It was obvious she was trying to steer the moment away, avoiding Daisy’s gaze.

Daisy crossed her arms, tilting her head. "Aurora..."

Aurora pretended to admire the lace detail, her tone light. "Don’t you think this would suit you? Simple but elegant. Go, try it..."

Daisy didn’t want to prolong it. With a small sigh, she took the gown and headed to the changing room.

What she didn’t know was that, at that very moment, George was walking into the bridal boutique.

Aurora froze the second she caught sight of him. Her hand tightened around the hanger she was holding, and for a brief second, her expression betrayed her shock.

"Miss, Mrs. Kingsley asking for your—" one of the staff began, but Aurora quickly shook her head, trying to keep her composure. She wanted to shove him out, to ask him to not appear before Daisy anymore, but knowing how timid she always became in front of someone with power, the words caught in her throat.

All she could do was stand there, her heart racing, while George’s gaze swept across the boutique.

His lips curved faintly, but his tone held a quiet weight that made the room still. "Hi, Aurora. It’s been a while... hasn’t it?"