Page 85 of The Bleak Beginning

As I step out, Sutton’s eyes widen, but she shakes her head. “It’s lovely, but not quite right.”

We go through several more dresses, each one stunning in its own way, but none of them feeling quite perfect. I’m starting to feel a bit discouraged when Madame Estelle pulls one last gown from the bottom of the pile.

“I almost forgot about this one,” she murmurs, holding it up.

The dress is a masterpiece of black and white ombré, starting with pure white at the shoulders and gradually fading to the deepest black at the base.

Madame Estelle smiles softly. “I think we may have found our winner,” she says, guiding me back behind the screen.

When I emerge, Sutton gasps audibly, her hands flying to her mouth. “Alex,” she breathes. “It’s…it’s perfect.”

I turn to face the full-length mirror, and for a moment, I hardly recognize myself. The dress hugs my curves in all the right places, the ombré effect creating an illusion of height and elegance I’ve never experienced before.

“We’ll take it,” Sutton gushes, coming up beside me.

A sudden realization washes over me like a bucket of cold water. “Sutton, I can’t pay for this. I don’t have the money for such an expensive gown.”

Madame Estelle shoots me a curious expression, raising a pointed brow, but Sutton is already waving me off. “Don’t worry about it. I’ve got you covered.”

I open my mouth to protest, but Sutton’s already reaching for her purse, a flash in her eye tells me that arguing would be futile.

Madame Estelle claps her hands together, her face alight with satisfaction. “Excellent choice, ladies. Now, let’s talk accessories, shall we?”

“The dress will do for now,” Sutton says, and I couldn’t agree more. Having this stunning dress is more than enough.

“I’ll get that wrapped up for you then,” Madame Estelle agrees.

I slide back the curtain after changing into my clothes, and Sutton is already by the counter with Estelle, chatting softly.

“All set?” she asks me before handing over her credit card.

I nod, still feeling a bit overwhelmed by the whole experience. The dress is carefully hung into a large, glossy bag, which Madame Estelle hands to me with a flourish.

“You’re going to turn heads, my darling,” she says, her eyes twinkling. “Make sure to come back and tell me all about it—oh my dear!” She suddenly shrieks, glancing down at the watch on Sutton’s wrist as she hands back her card. “What a marvelous timepiece!”

Sutton’s eyes widen slightly, and she pulls her arm back with a nervous laugh, quickly tucking the watch back underneath her sleeve. “This old thing? It’s nothing special. A family thing.”

“An heirloom, perhaps?” Madame Estelle muses coaxingly, but Sutton isn’t having it.

I crease my forehead, confused by Sutton’s reaction.

Madame Estelle doesn’t seem to notice the tension, her attention already shifting back to me. “Now, my dear, remember what I said about accessories. A simple pair of diamond studs would complement that dress beautifully.”

“Next time,” Sutton answers for me with a tight smile.

I thank Madame Estelle again for all her help and then Sutton and I are back out on the bustling street. I turn to her. “Thanks again for the getting me this.”

“Don’t mention it,” she mumbles, her tone carrying the same tightness she had with Estelle.

Was I missing something? I couldn’t help but wonder if there was something bothering her. Something I did?

Sutton’s eyes dart around the crowded street, her tone sudden and urgent. “Let’s go grab some lunch. All this dress shopping has worked up an appetite.”

“Are you sure—”

“Now!” She lets out a quick exhale. “I’m just…famished,” she explains.

I startle at her sudden intensity, but nod in agreement. “Okay, sure. Lead the way.”

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