Chapter 150: You’re Just Another Orphan
The gown was a vision of loveliness, its ruby red color shimmering softly in the light. The mermaid-style design hugged the mannequin’s curves, the fitted bodice giving way to a flowing, flared skirt that seemed to dance in the light. Delicate silver threads embroidered intricate patterns on the fabric, adding a touch of understated elegance to the overall design. As Charlotte gazed at the gown, she couldn’t help but imagine herself wearing it to a fairytale-like wedding or a glamorous red-carpet event, the ruby red fabric shining like a beacon of sophistication and glamour.
"I’m going to try this one." Charlotte exclaimed, her voice filled with excitement and conviction, as if she had fallen deeply in love with the dress at first sight.
"Yeah, you would look beautiful in this gown." Thea said, smiling at Charlotte. The saleswoman, who had been nearby, stepped forward after hearing Charlotte’s decision, and gently removed the dress from the mannequin.
"Thea, go take a look and see what style catches your eye." Charlotte said, nodding towards the racks of dresses.
But Thea waved her hand dismissively, "No, I’m not trying anything on." Charlotte raised an eyebrow, "Why not? You can’t just come to a dress fitting and not try anything."
Thea shrugged, "I already have plenty of gowns at home." Charlotte’s expression turned firm, "I’m not going to hear that, Thea. Try it, as I’m saying. Just see how you look in something new."
"Charlotte, you go ahead and try the dress. I don’t feel like trying anything right now." Thea said, smiling weakly. Charlotte nodded, "Fine, I won’t force you. I’ll go try it on." She headed towards the fitting room, leaving Thea alone with the saleswoman. The saleswoman, a kind-faced woman in her late 30s, approached Thea with a warm smile. "Miss, would you like to see our new collection of gowns? We’ve just received some beautiful pieces." Thea shook her head softly, "No, no, thank you." The saleswoman’s smile didn’t waver. "Miss, you’re welcome to try on some dresses, even if you’re not planning to buy anything. Sometimes it’s just fun to see how something looks. We have some lovely pieces that might suit you."
"Miss, giving it a try can’t hurt, can it?" the saleswoman encouraged, her eyes sparkling with persuasion. Thea hesitated for a moment, then nodded slowly. "Okay.." she agreed, a small smile playing on her lips. She rationalized to herself that there really was no harm in trying on a few dresses. It might even be fun, she thought. With a newfound sense of openness, Thea stood up and followed the saleswoman to the rack of gowns, ready to see what caught her eye.
"See, how am I looking?" Charlotte asked, stepping out of the fitting room with a radiant smile. Thea’s eyes locked onto her, and she couldn’t help but gasp in admiration.
The ruby red gown fit Charlotte like a glove, showcasing her flawless skin and accentuating her curves. The delicate embroidery and sparkling details of the dress seemed to come alive on her, making her look absolutely breathtaking. Thea’s face lit up with a warm smile as she exclaimed, "You are looking very gorgeous!"
Charlotte’s eyes sparkled with confidence, "Hmm, that I know... This dress caught my eye from the moment I saw it." The saleswoman nodded enthusiastically, "Miss, you are truly looking beautiful. The dress is perfect for you!"
Charlotte turned to Thea, "So, are you finding anything you like?" she asked, noticing that Thea was now browsing through the dresses. The saleswoman chimed in, "Miss, this young miss was a bit hesitant at first, but I encouraged her to take a look." Charlotte winked at them, "That’s good," she said, seeming to approve of the saleswoman’s efforts to persuade Thea to try on some dresses.
"Thea, why don’t you take a look at the dresses and see what you like? I’ll come out and join you after I’ve changed out of this outfit." Charlotte said, already making up her mind. "And I’m definitely taking this dress," she added, turning to the saleswoman with a confident smile. The saleswoman returned the smile, nodding her head in agreement.
Charlotte headed back to the fitting room to change, leaving Thea to browse through the racks.
Thea continued to browse through the dresses when a woman entered the shop, commanding attention with her presence. "Good evening, madam.." a young saleswoman greeted her, hurrying over to assist. The woman’s eyes scanned the room, her gaze lingering on the various gowns on display. "I want to see all the gowns you have in your shop," she said, her voice firm. "And wait, I saw a red gown yesterday... I’ll take it for my daughter. She’ll definitely be the most gorgeous woman in the city." she declared, her tone leaving no room for doubt.
The saleswoman who had been assisting Thea murmured under her breath, "These types of customers, I really don’t like serving them at all." Thea, however, overheard the comment and smiled knowingly. She leaned in, whispering softly, "Madam, every daughter is a princess in her parents’ eyes." The saleswoman’s eyes widened, surprised that Thea had caught her remark. "Miss, you heard what I said?" she asked, a hint of embarrassment in her voice. Thea’s gentle smile put her at ease, but the saleswoman still stumbled over her words, "I simply mean... can you please not... mention it?"
"Madam, I’m afraid the red gown has already been taken.." the young saleswoman said, trying to placate the woman. "Why don’t you take a look at our other designs? I’m sure you’ll find something perfect for your daughter." The woman’s expression turned quizzical, "Is it?" she asked. The saleswoman nodded, "Yes, madam. I apologize, but it’s already been purchased." The woman didn’t press the issue further and instead began to browse through the other dresses on display.
Thea, meanwhile, was engrossed in examining the gowns, her eyes scanning the intricate details and designs. As she looked up, her gaze met the woman’s, and she felt a sudden jolt of recognition. At first, she couldn’t quite place the woman, but as she got a fuller glimpse of her face, her eyes widened in surprise. It was Savannah’s mother, Alexia. Thea’s mind raced as she tried to process the unexpected encounter. She hadn’t seen Alexia in a while, and the last time they had met, in Julia’s house..She recalled vividly the incident.
Thea didn’t feel like greeting Alexia, thinking to herself, "It’s better if I just ignore her." She continued browsing, her eyes landing on a stunning design that caught her attention. As she reached for it, Alexia suddenly snatched it from her hand. "It would look better on my daughter." Alexia exclaimed, seemingly oblivious to Thea’s interest in the dress.
As Alexia looked up, her gaze met Thea’s, and a spark of recognition flashed across her face. "Where have I seen you?" Alexia asked, her eyes narrowing as she scrutinized Thea’s features. Thea felt a surge of annoyance and considered ignoring her, instead focusing on browsing through the other designs. However, the saleswoman had witnessed the incident and intervened, "Miss, that lady snatched the dress from your hand. Why did you let her do so?" she asked, her tone laced with concern.
Thea began to respond after hearing her words, "Let her have it... I don’t want to..." but her words were cut off as Alexia’s hands grasped her arms, yanking her back forcefully. "I remember... You are that... right... Thea.." Alexia exclaimed, her anger and hostility evident. Thea’s eyes locked onto Alexia’s, her expression unyielding. "Right... I am Thea... Madam.." she replied, her tone detached and unbothered, making it clear she didn’t care about Alexia’s outburst.
"Hah... You dare to shop at this establishment?" Alexia sneered, her voice dripping with condescension. "Do you have the means to afford it? I have heard you are just an orphan... Where did you get the large sum of money to come to this luxurious shop and buy a dress? Ha! I should honored your guts that you would even think of setting foot in a place like this.." Alexia said, her tone laced with mockery and disdain, as if Thea’s presence in the shop was a joke.
"If I were in your place, I would never dare to set foot in a place like this." Alexia said, her voice laced with disdain.
