Chapter 35: Chapter 35: Trying on Wedding Dresses Together

After a few days as Claire Lawrence’s assistant, Stratos finally assigned someone to the role, so Yvonne Sutton didn’t have to go in anymore.

It was perfect timing, as she needed to start preparing for her wedding.

"My family has already started with the preparations. I should be back in about half a month. Once I’m back, we can arrange for our families to meet. Is that okay?" Wyatt Shaw asked her in a text.

Of course, she agreed. Just the thought of such a formal occasion made her a little nervous.

"By the way, the custom-made wedding dress is ready. If you have time tomorrow, you can go to the bridal shop for a fitting."

"Okay."

"I’m sorry I can’t be there with you."

"I understand."

Three days later, Yvonne Sutton arrived at the bridal shop using the address Wyatt Shaw had sent her. A sales associate greeted her the moment she walked in, and after Yvonne gave her name, the associate’s welcome became even more enthusiastic.

"Oh, you must be Miss Sutton! We’ve been expecting you. Your custom dress was flown in last night. Please, come with me to try it on. If anything isn’t to your satisfaction, we will make the alterations immediately."

"Alright."

Half an hour later, Yvonne Sutton emerged from the fitting room.

"WOW, you look stunning!" a nearby sales associate gasped.

Yvonne Sutton smiled at her before turning to her own reflection in the mirror. She was wearing a royal blue, satin, V-neck wedding gown adorned with thousands of tiny diamonds that sparkled like a constellation, casting a magnificent shimmer.

A ribbon tied her curls back loosely, its blue crystals perfectly complementing the gown and making her look like a fairytale princess who had strayed into the mortal world.

"This gown is Professor Aurora’s final masterpiece," the associate explained. "It was originally the crown jewel of our collection, but Mr. Shaw’s sincerity convinced the professor to sell it. She even personally altered it to Miss Sutton’s measurements, making this dress truly one-of-a-kind and a highly collectible piece." Seeing the gown on the perfect person, the associate was so excited she felt like screaming.

Yvonne Sutton looked down, running her hand over the gown. ’The material feels incredible.’

"Yvonne Sutton?"

Someone called her name. Yvonne Sutton turned to see Wendy Winters walking in on the arm of Vincent Reed. They both looked a little surprised to see her.

"It really is you. I thought my eyes were playing tricks on me."

Wendy Winters dragged Vincent Reed over. Seeing Yvonne in a wedding dress, she smirked. "What a coincidence. Don’t tell me you heard we were coming for a fitting today and decided to follow us?"

Yvonne Sutton ignored her, turning back to admire her dress in the mirror.

"Yvonne Sutton, you’re not still angry, are you? You really misunderstood what happened on the island. But never mind. We just hope you won’t go running your mouth to Miss Reed and cause trouble for us."

Wendy Winters sighed after she spoke, as if she were being incredibly magnanimous.

"Miss Winters, is it? Your gown has arrived. Please, follow me."

Wendy Winters nodded, said a quick word to Vincent Reed, and followed the associate into a fitting room.

Now, only Yvonne Sutton and Vincent Reed remained in front of the mirror. She stood in her wedding gown, and as it happened, he was wearing a black suit. They could both see each other in the reflection.

Vincent Reed’s expression darkened. "Are you trying to get me to say you look beautiful in a wedding dress?"

Yvonne Sutton was speechless. "Why would I want your opinion?"

"But you do look beautiful."

"..."

Vincent Reed took a breath. "But if you think this is some ploy to get me to marry you, it’s not going to happen."

Yvonne Sutton was stunned. She turned to face Vincent Reed. "Are you out of your mind?"

"What else could it be? We’re here for a fitting, and you just happen to show up on the same day, wearing a wedding dress for me to see. Don’t tell me this is all a coincidence!"

"It really is."

"Yvonne Sutton, I’ve been doing a lot of thinking lately."

"About what?"

Vincent Reed paused for a moment. "I can let bygones be bygones and allow you to come back to me. I can even spoil you and love you just like I used to, as long as you don’t have any delusions about me marrying you."

Yvonne Sutton actually laughed. "So, you’re planning to marry Wendy Winters and keep a mistress on the side?"

"And that mistress can only be you."

"Oh, how honored I feel," she said sarcastically. "But I have to say, I feel bad for Wendy Winters. Don’t you love her? That epic, move-heaven-and-earth kind of love? How is it that you’re not even married yet and you’re already planning to keep a mistress? Your love sure is cheap."

"Yvonne Sutton, I’m giving you a chance!"

"No, thanks. I’m not qualified for the role."

Just then, Wendy Winters emerged from the fitting room. The associate tried to guide her to a different mirror, but she walked straight over to Yvonne.

"Vincent, what do you think? Do I look beautiful in this gown?" Instead of looking in the mirror, she looked at Vincent Reed.

Vincent Reed smiled. "You look beautiful."

"And compared to Yvonne Sutton?"

Vincent Reed smiled again. "Of course, you look much better."

Only then was Wendy Winters satisfied. She turned to look at herself in the mirror. She was in a regal, palace-style gown—luxurious and elegant. She nodded, pleased, but then she glanced at Yvonne beside her, and her brows knitted together.

Beauty is often subjective, but there are times when it is undeniably objective.

Right now, for instance, Yvonne Sutton’s gown was clearly more beautiful than hers.

"Her gown is very expensive, isn’t it?" Wendy Winters asked the associate.

The associate just smiled without answering.

Wendy Winters nodded. "I know the designers you feature are all internationally renowned and you cater to high-end clientele, so the prices are certainly not cheap. However, I’d like to offer a suggestion: you shouldn’t just serve anybody. You should at least make sure they can afford a gown from here first."

Yvonne Sutton knew Wendy Winters was taking a jab at her, but she wasn’t angry. She just found it ridiculous.

"I’m very happy with this gown. The fit is perfect," Yvonne Sutton said to the associate.

The associate nodded eagerly. "I’ll have it packed up for you, then."

"I’d advise you to make her pay before you pack it up, just so you don’t waste your time," Wendy Winters chimed in.

The associate looked a little confused. "This gown for Miss Sutton has already been paid for."

Wendy Winters’s face fell at these words, and she turned to look at Vincent Reed.

"Vincent, you didn’t pay for it, did you?"

Vincent Reed frowned. "Of course not."

Wendy Winters let out a little "Oh." "So it’s just good value for the money, then. Looks nice, but it’s cheap. I guess you can’t always tell from the outside. Still, people tend to get the quality they deserve, that much is true." 𝗳𝗿𝐞𝕖𝘄𝗲𝕓𝗻𝚘𝚟𝕖𝐥.𝚌𝕠𝕞

Yvonne Sutton really hadn’t intended to pick a fight with Wendy Winters, but the other woman was practically begging for one. So, she turned and asked the associate, "How much does my gown cost?"

The associate quickly stated a price. When Wendy Winters heard the number, her face darkened completely.

"And compared to her gown?" Yvonne asked again.

The associate paused for a moment before replying, "Naturally, your gown is more expensive, Miss."

Yvonne Sutton nodded, satisfied. "You know, you’re right. People really do get the quality they deserve."

With that, she lifted the hem of her dress and went back into the fitting room.

From inside, she could hear Wendy Winters throwing a fit. By the time she came out, Wendy had already changed out of the wedding dress and left.

Vincent Reed, however, was still there, clearly waiting for her.

"I need you to stop causing trouble for me. I’m tired and I’m sick of it."

"Vincent Reed, do you ever think before you speak? What do you mean, *I’m* causing trouble for *you*?"

Vincent Reed took a steadying breath. "Give the dress to Wendy."