Lucy was downcast the whole journey, looking as if she had just escaped from somewhere scary. Matthew saw the fear in her eyes and could not help but worry.Up ahead, the road was clogged with traffic. Matthew stopped the car and reached out to take Lucy's hand in his."What's wrong? You seemed just fine at the palace earlier. Did something happen? Can you tell me about it?"Lucy gazed out the window, shaking her head as if she were lost in thought.Matthew started to feel a little upset. He did not like it when Lucy kept her worries to herself, especially around him. It made him feel like she had put up a wall that he could not get past to reach her heart.He did not like that feeling at all."Lucy, remember what we promised? If anything bothers us, we're supposed to tell each other right away. We shouldn't have to worry alone."Hearing Matthew's voice change, Lucy sounded pitiful and a bit whiny.She quickly tried to comfort him, "Matthew, it's not what you think. I'm just re
Lucy had to admit that ever since she met Matthew, it seemed like he knew her better than anyone else ever could.Every time Lucy started to speak, Matthew could almost read her mind and guess what she was going to say next."I sure hope so."Lucy was not the type to get downhearted and lose hope over everything, but she could not shake the feeling that being with Matthew was like walking on eggshells. She did not know if there was hope or heartbreak around the corner.However, Matthew kept holding onto Lucy's hand, not wanting to let go for even a second."Lucy, whatever comes our way, I'll be right here with you. You've got to trust me, and you've got to believe in yourself a little more."Believe in herself...Matthew was right. She really did not have much self-confidence.She was always sunny, upbeat, and full of cheer. Anyone who met her would think she was a woman who lived in a world of sunshine.However, when she was with Matthew...Matthew was rich and really good-l
"Is that how much you don’t trust me?” Matthew sounded even more aggrieved than Lucy. He held Lucy so tight that her arms were starting to hurt, but he still refused to let go.“No, no, I just think that you’re so much better than I am. How could I possibly be more popular than you?”Lucy found it strange that such words came from Matthew. A few years ago, he was consistently rated as the 'Golden Bachelor' by financial magazines. He was the dream man of many.Lucy felt miserable when compared to him, so she said, “They must be blind to like me.”Matthew finally let go of her and stared into her eyes without blinking. “Once those people discover you, I wouldn’t even have the time to hide you before they try to snatch you away.”His childish tone was somewhat comforting to Lucy.Matthew did not expect Lucy’s glorious moment of being loved by many to come so soon.When they got back home, Lucy stared at the dress Charlotte had 'kindly' gifted her.She had no choice but to attend t
The next day, Lucy woke up early. She was full of energy.Matthew still had no idea what she had come up with. Despite his attempts to coax it out of her, he was still left in the dark. He was reluctantly chased off to work by Lucy. She even told him that she would not be delivering his lunch today, leaving him feelings of bitterness.“Time to get to work!”Thanks to a good night’s sleep, Lucy was brimming with energy. She started the day in high spirits.She began by gathering various books on fashion research from the library and meticulously flipped through them to find suitable decorations and patterns.She also had the maids purchase the appropriate fabrics and sewing supplies.The maids were eager to help, and not long after, they had acquired everything Lucy needed. With everything ready, Lucy got to work.Since it was her first time altering a dress, obstacles were inevitable. For instance, stitching on embroidery was a little awkward for her at first. However, thanks
The day of the Wine Festival arrived.Matthew knew Lucy was being secretive about not changing into her dress early, so all he could do was wait and see what she had up her sleeve.“Wifey, let’s start with the makeup.”Matthew had sourced several studios to hire a renowned makeup artist specifically for the occasion.Lucy knew how to do her own makeup, but for an event like this, she needed a professional as she was unsure what kind of makeup would suit the event.The makeup artist was a petite young lady, but unlike her appearance, she did not sound shy at all.“Mrs. Leon, you have such nice skin. You really don’t need much foundation at all.”The makeup artist commented while applying makeup on Lucy’s face, praising her complexion and beauty. It made Lucy blush.Matthew wholeheartedly agreed with her, “Lulu, you’re truly beautiful, so be more confident in yourself.”After the makeup artist learned Lucy’s real age, she was even more impressed. “Mrs. Leon, you don’t look your
Matthew deeply regretted agreeing to Lucy’s request to wear the altered dress.In his eyes, Lucy had always looked like the girl next door. She rarely ever revealed her mature side. However, her dress today perfectly showcased the side of her that he did not know existed.Lucy was not just skin and bones. She was curvy in all the right places, and the dress accentuated that beautifully. Her exposed shoulders and collarbones were captivating. When Lucy turned, the beautiful lines of her back were exposed.Matthew’s eyes widened in an instant.Lucy had transformed the dress into a backless gown. While Matthew was mesmerized by her beauty, he could not help but feel concerned. The Wine Festival was one of Charleston’s biggest events, and countless aristocrats and nobles would be there. Matthew could already imagine the lustful gazes of those men.Sensing the discomfort in Matthew’s eyes, Lucy asked him what was wrong, but he just shook his head and smiled. “You look stunning today.
At some point, the word 'kindness' became a derogatory term.Lucy always believed that kindness was an essential part of human nature, but she also understood the importance of boundaries.Matthew was probably referring to Lucy’s past experiences, particularly her reluctance to sever ties with her ex-boyfriend and her former family, which left her to suffer.However, Matthew did not realize that Lucy would no longer let others hurt her like that again.“Don’t worry, Matt. I won't let those things happen again. I’ll take good care of myself.”Matthew nodded with relief. “Don’t underestimate me too, wifey. I’ve promised to protect you for the rest of my life, and I won't let you go.”Lucy smiled and held his hand.Matthew purposely left the driver at home so he could personally chauffeur Lucy for the day. He even chose the least conspicuous car from the garage, yet it still exuded elegance.Lucy did not understand why he did not want to let the driver drive, so Matthew explained,
Outside of the Wine Festival venue, the party had already begun. The number of guests was beyond Lucy’s imagination, and they kept coming. It had gotten so crowded that she could no longer see the entrance.The guests were mingling and chatting like they were old friends who had not seen each other in years, but deep down, it was all just business to them.As soon as Lucy stepped out of the car, the crowd gasped.Lucy’s outfit today was absolutely stunning, unlike the flashy attires of the royal princesses and daughters of tycoons. They were always competing for the limelight during the Wine Festival.These women were practically wearing every single piece of jewelry they owned, but overdoing it would only be a burden to the eyes. Not only did it take away from their beauty, but it was uncomfortable to look at.However, Lucy’s choice was a breath of fresh air. Her versatile black dress might look simple, but after her detailed alterations, the dress accentuated all her best featur