Chapter 4— La Dawn Couture

LARISSA AURÉLIE FARSULEIA

“Can we call it a day? It’s almost 5 o’clock. I’ve been trying on gowns all day.” I let out a groan as I turned away from the mirror in front of me, now facing the figure who’s seated relaxed on the sofa. 

Augusta leaned forward, she uncrossed her arms and rested her palm onto the edge of the sofa. “Larissa, the debutante ball is three days away. You have to pick wisely on the gown you’ll be wearing, otherwise the nobles will be judging you. Not to mention it’s your first public appearance.”

I sighed as my gaze fell on the floor. She was the one who’s more worried as if she’ll be the one who’s going to receive comments about her sudden appearance. But I get where her concern is coming from, afterall, who wouldn’t worry about your friend for five years? I met her when his father, Count Dawn, visited us to talk about the couture he plans on building. The curious kid that I was, eavesdropped at their conversation outside my father’s office and eventually got caught by her. A whole quarrel ended up happening until our fathers noticed the noise coming from outside. Both of us were grounded, forced to interact with each other in my playroom. It was not long before Augusta apologised for snitching on me, and I too for listening discreetly. It was ironic, really, how our friendship had blossomed from a simple disagreement.

One of the perks for being friends with her is that she makes sure I don’t repeat a gown. Her father is one of the best designers in the country, and Augusta is the most reliable fashion critic that you can ever have. Though every clothes I’ve ever worn in my entire life is based on what she thinks I’d look best on, she let me choose my gown today as she wanted me to freely express myself at the ball. 

“Just try on one more gown and we’ll continue it tomorrow.” She flicked her wrist, gesturing to me to go back.

I mentally rolled my eyes before I closed the curtains, walking back inside the dressing room. I stared blankly at the clothing rack in front of me, as I randomly fished out a random gown, not minding what it was. I unzipped the gown that I was wearing and let it fall down on the floor. I had to do it by myself because Augusta reserved the whole couture for us two only since Count Dawn was away from home. 

“Have you picked out one yet?!” Augusta yelled across the room.

“Yeah!” I shouted back as I slipped my arms into the off-shoulder sleeves of the gown. 

“Make sure it looks good!” She chided with a playful tone, “If not, you won't be able to find a husband when you get there!” She ended her warning with a hearty chuckle, clearly teasing me.

I couldn't help but laugh at her words, “Does it really matter?!” 

“Of course it matters!” 

I shook my head as I let out another sigh. Then, I slowly pulled up the zipper from the back, securing it into place before turning to look at my reflection in the floor-length mirror. I froze on my spot when I looked at myself—the gown, it felt like…me. 

The gown that I had picked was in a soft pink hue. The off-shoulder design revealed my exquisite collarbones and the sleeves had delicate crystal-like droplets cascading on it. The bodice is fitted, emphasising my petite waist and accentuating my curves perfectly. It had gold embellishments adorned all over the gown, adding a luxurious touch and would look good once it sparkled in the ballroom chandelier. The skirt is also quite full, expanding outward in a soft flared shape. The colour complemented my light skin tone and gave my emerald eyes a vivid appearance, while my hair appeared richer against the light colours. 

“Augusta, I don’t think we need to come back tomorrow…” 

I heard her sputter and choke on the sip of tea she had just taken, her coughs filling the air as she struggled to catch her breath. After regaining her composure, she managed to ask, her voice slightly hoarse, “Why do you think so?” Clearing her throat, she continued, her words filled with intrigue, “Have you found the one?”

“I suppose I have.” I replied, a hint of wariness in my tone.

I slowly drew back the curtains, showing myself as I took small steps towards the small platform, feeling a flutter of nerves and pride as I did so. I caught a glimpse of her reaction as she gaped at me, her mouth falling open in disbelief, her eyes wide with admiration as she took in the full beauty of the gown I wore. Augusta hurriedly stood up on her feet, her hands flying to her mouth as she gasped in amazement. “Larissa…you look gorgeous!” She exclaimed. 

I couldn’t help but to smile widely at her comment. I looked down too to admire the design, spinning around like a kid who had just received their first toy. We locked eyes again, both of us grinning with excitement. “So,” I asked, a playful note in my voice, “is it ‘Augusta-approved?’”

Her response was a hearty chuckle, and she grinned as she moved closer to me, taking both of my hands in hers. “Surely, it is.” she said with a firm nod. “Let’s get it wrapped up. We wouldn't want anyone else coveting this gorgeous gown, now would we?” 

I eagerly nodded in agreement. We both shared a lighthearted laugh as we headed towards the dressing room, the joy of the moment making our steps feel lighter and more playful.