A Love To Last

c h a p t e r (9)

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The room was bathed in a soft, golden glow as Ellery stood before her little wardrobe. Today was a special day - lunch date with her future mother-in-law. Her heart fluttered with a mix of excitement and nervousness.

She wanted to make a lasting impression, to show her respect and warmth. Cassian would be picking her up soon, and Mona was here to lend a helping hand.

The wardrobe door creaked open, revealing the dress they had purchased just yesterday. It hung there, suspended like a promise.

The fabric was exquisite-a delicate blend of silk and lace. The color was a muted champagne, reminiscent of sun-kissed mornings. The neckline dipped modestly, adorned with intricate embroidery that trailed down to the waist. The dress flared gently at the hips, falling into a graceful A-line silhouette. It was a dress that whispered elegance, a symphony of understated luxury.

Mona poked her head from behind Ellery, "Belle is crazy talented, isn't she?"

Belle Morte, the owner of the boutique they had gone to, turned out to be Mona's family friend. She stepped in at the right time when the stranger from yesterday was glaring and threatening to sue Mona for assault.

Belle was a designer and she had personally done this dress. According to her, she had made it for the senator's daughter's dinner appointment, but she thought the dress was fitting for Ellery. And indeed it was.

"I can't believe she made it." Ellery confessed, awestruck.

Mona chuckled, "Stop gawking and claim this beauty."

Mona stepped aside as Ellery brought out the dress, laying it gently on her bed.

Before slipping into the dress, she followed her morning body routine. She stepped into the sunlight streaming through the window, allowing it to kiss her skin. She smoothed on a layer of moisturizer, the scent of lavender filling the air. Her undergarments were equally thoughtful-a seamless nude bra and matching panties that hugged her curves without leaving any trace. She wanted every detail to be perfect.

As she eased into the dress, it clung to her like a lover's embrace. The silk slid over her shoulders, the lace brushing against her collarbones. She twirled, feeling the hem brush against her ankles. It was as if the dress had been tailored for her alone-the waist nipped in just right, the length grazing the floor. She glanced at herself in the mirror, and there it was-the perfect dress for this occasion.

Mona, always the supportive cheerleader, watched Ellery with wide eyes. She gasped, her hand flying to her chest. "Ellery," she breathed, "you look absolutely divine!"

"You think so?" Ellery asked, narrowing her eyes at her reflection in the mirror.

Mona clapped her hands softly, her eyes never leaving Ellery. "I don't think-I know! You're like a forest nymph who wandered into our world. That dress was made for you."

Ellery's beauty was a canvas waiting to be painted. Her hazel eyes held secrets-the green flecks dancing with warmth, the brown depths hinting at vulnerability. Chestnut brown hair cascaded in loose waves, framing her face like a halo. Her skin was flawless, touched by the morning sun. She was ethereal-a blend of grace and quiet strength.

Mona stepped closer, her gaze intense. "Ellery, you're going to stop traffic. Cassian is going to have trouble controlling the little man in his pants."

Ellery laughed, a tinkling sound that filled the room. "Oh my God! You're crazy."

Mona's eyes twinkled mischievously, "You know I'm being real."