Just a little sip

Just One Glance

Two days before the Gala.

Rosette sat in the passenger seat, staring out the window as Chloe pulled into the parking lot of an extravagant fashion boutique. The massive display window glistened under the city lights, showcasing the kind of high-end designer dresses that made Rosette's stomach churn.

"Chloe, why this place?" Rosette groaned, squinting at the boutique's over-the-top name, "Luxe Couture". "I'm going to go bankrupt just standing in here."

Chloe turned to her with a grin that could melt ice. "Oh, stop being so dramatic! You need to look your best for the Gala, don't you? And don't worry—I'm covering the bill. You just have to pick something. Actually," she paused and gave Rosette a once-over, "I'll pick for you. Let's be real—I know fashion better than you."

Rosette rolled her eyes but let out a soft laugh. "You act like I'm some kind of charity case."

"You are, babe. Fashion charity." Chloe winked, leading her inside like she owned the place.

The boutique was dripping with elegance—marble floors, chandeliers, racks lined with designer gowns. Rosette felt entirely out of place, and her discomfort only grew as Chloe began rifling through the racks with the precision of a seasoned shopper.

"Okay, here," Chloe said, pulling out two gowns—one a sleek black number for herself, and a bold, fiery red gown for Rosette. She shoved the red dress into Rosette's hands with a grin. "This one's so you."

Rosette held the dress up and winced. "This is... a lot of fabric."

"Just try it on, okay? Humor me." Chloe waved her away with a playful shooing motion.

Rosette reluctantly slipped into the changing room and struggled into the gown. The material hugged every curve, and the plunging neckline made her blush instantly. The gown was... bold. Way too bold for her usual taste. But, there was something about it—a power, a confidence she didn't quite recognize.

When she stepped out of the dressing room, she felt a rush of self-consciousness. She was revealing way more skin than she was used to, and it made her squirm. She glanced around nervously, trying to tug at the dress, when she caught sight of someone entering the boutique.

Nikolai Volkov, a renowned Russian businessman with slick black hair, a sharp jawline, and tattoos that peeked out from beneath his designer suit. He walked with a swagger that spoke of power and wealth, his icy-blue eyes scanning the store like he owned everything in it.

Technically, he did. Nikolai owned the boutique and was here to meet with one of his designers.

But as he entered, his gaze landed on Rosette. She was stunning in the red gown, her curves on full display, and her face a mixture of awkwardness and allure. Something about the contrast intrigued him—a woman so clearly out of her comfort zone, yet undeniably captivating. He lingered, smiling faintly before heading to the back for his fitting.

Rosette, completely unaware of the attention she had drawn, turned back to the mirror, still tugging at the dress.

Chloe finally stepped out in her sleek black gown, looking confident and radiant.

"You took forever!" Rosette groaned. "I've been out here for, like, ten minutes."

Chloe ignored her whining and gasped when she saw Rosette. "Holy crap! You look amazing. That dress was made for you."