37. "In Heat"

Olive’s POV

Inside the narrow dressing room, I stood before the mirror and looked at myself. The dim lighting cast a soft sheen over the small space, haloing my figure as I stood there in nothing but my undergarments.

My fingers twitched and shook, unable to find a steady on the white dress that hung on the hanger. Clenching my jaw, I grabbed the pristine fabric and placed it near my body.

‘It was the same dress that Vera had worn on the day she died.’ Just the thought of it gave a raw spindle in my stomach.

“He only wanted me to relive the guilt by wearing this dress. Let’s get over it for once and show him,” I told myself, clenching my jaw.

I slipped into the dress; its silky fabric caressed my skin with a gentle glide. Once I had fastened the zipper, I took a moment to gaze at my reflection.

“It was really pretty,” I murmured.

However, despite its luxurious texture and beautiful lines, I found no solace in its embrace.

After a brief moment, I emerged from the dressing room