Chapter 179 - PREPARATION
The Belle Boutique was a two story building painted in an elegant combination of silver and gold. The transparent glass windows gave a glimpse of the cozy interior of the place. The automatic sliding door, the red carpeted floor, and the painted cremé colored walls scream of luxury.
Awestruck by the glamour surrounding the place, I slowly stepped inside, the hills of my stiletto sinking into the plush carpet.
"Welcome to Belle Boutique." A soft female voice said in greeting. I tore my gaze away from the floor, raised my head and saw a petite woman with bright hazel eyes and wide smiling mouth.
"Hello." I greeted warmly, waiting for Claire to follow behind me after properly parking the car in the parking area.
"How may I help you Miss?" She asked politely. The sweet smile on her lips widened.. In a curious tone she added, "You looked familiar. Did we meet before."
Before I could even reply the sliding door flung open and Claire entered, the car key still dangling into her long, slender finger.
Automatically, my eyes darted behind my back where she stood. The woman looked at her too, her already large eyes widening in recognition.
"Claire!" The petite yet elegant woman exclaimed before hurriedly crossing the distance between separating them.
"Belle!" Claire was surprised."I thought you're in Paris?" She asked.
"Vacation over." The woman called Belle sighed. "I would love to extend my leave and go travel but there's too many things to be done in here so I returned as quickly as possible. Damn, you looked wonderful Claire! Have you discovered the fountain of youth? You look even younger now."
Claire laughed. Her cheeks furiously blushing from the compliment. "You haven't changed Belle. "You looked great too! You looked eighteen and not twenty-eight!"
Belle beamed at her friend. "Remind me later to give you a discount."
The women laughed heartily.
"Come here, darling. I will introduce Belle, the designer of all this great work and the owner of this boutique. "Claire motioned me to come and I did. "Belle, this is Beatrix Crawford, the eldest and the only daughter of Alexander Crawford."
The designer's eyes went wide, her fingers flew to cover her parted mouth, "Oh my god, you're the splitting image of Melissa! We've met before and it's during one of the parties held in the Crawford Mansion."
I gave Belle a smile. Suddenly I recognize her now. I remember seeing her at a party. Her face is too pretty to be easily forgotten. I also read various articles and saw her face in magazines, featuring her exceptional and exceptional designs.
"I'm Belle Heusaff." She held her hand to me and I took the privilege to shake her hands. She has nice, smooth hands.
"We came here to look for a gown she could wear for her birthday." Claire explained, as we walked to the center of the room, passing through the awe-inspiring gowns with intricate designs worn by the mannequins.
"Oh I would love to show you my best collections! Please follow me." Belle said and motioned us to follow her on the Vip area which was located on the second floor.
The moment my gaze landed on the off-shoulder lace gown, I instantly fell in love with it. The soft, sleek fabric glowed magnificently under the light of the chandelier, further enhancing the exquisite scarlet color. The off shoulder sleeve gracefully falls down the mannequin's arms in a seductive manner.
Overall the gown was simple but very elegant. It has a heart-shaped front and a plunging neckline. The diamond cut on the back exposes a bit of skin. But it didn't change the fact that it's breathing and I want it.
Very carefully, I reached for the dress the mannequins were wearing, and felt the familiar softness of the cloth beneath my fingers. While I did so, Ace lingered on my thoughts and I can't help but wish that he was here so I could listen to his soft murmurs of approval. He would surely love the dress on me.
"The color would perfectly suit your smooth, porcelain skin dear." Belle said in approval. Claire wordlessly agreed, eyeing the gown too.
I didn't try the gown since it was obviously too big loose on my slender frame. Belle ushered me into another room which was her office and took my measurements before jotting them down on her notepad.
"I would definitely be there." Belle smiled, accepting the invitation I kept in my bag.
"I'm both honored and ecstatic for the opportunity to see a Crawford-Greyson wear one of my works."
After the boutique appointment, we didn't go home yet. The event organizer wanted to meet with Claire to discuss further details regarding the Masquerade party.
We went into a cozy, Italian restaurant which was nearby to meet with Arianne. When we entered the place, she was waiting on a table, she raised her hand and waved to attract our attention.
Once we were seated comfortably on the seat, we didn't immediately discuss the Masquerade Party which I'm thankful of. Arriane had ordered in advance and when we arrived, the food was immediately served.
I'm starving and I almost sighed contentedly when the delicious aroma drifted to my nostrils.
We ate in silence. It was not long before the hearty lunch was finished.
The waiter return to buss out the soiled dishes and replace the plates with platters of desserts.
"The highlight of the Masquerade ball would be, the dance." Arianne began enthusiastically. "Your father and eight brothers will dance with you."
I scooped the cheese icecream using the dessert spoon and lifted it to my mouth, allowing it to melt before speaking. "That sounds so exciting." I replied, my lips slowly curling into a smile. It reminds me the of the first party I attended on the Mansion.
The conversation drifted from what type of flowers would be displayed on the center tables, the color of the table cloth, the selection of food on the buffet table, and many other concerns regarding the Masquerade Party. Claire handled everything with grace.
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