Chapter 38
But the moment Eliana’s eyes met his, he forced all emotion from his face. “Not bad. Your figure hasn’t changed much. It still fits.”
The sales assistant chimed in eagerly, “Not much? It’s perfect! Ms. Lyons has the best figure I’ve ever seen.”
At that, Nathan shot a deeply amused look Eliana’s way.
A blush instantly warmed her cheeks, somehow transporting her back to their time together ten years ago.
Back then, their love was so innocent that even holding hands made her heart pound.
She could still remember the feeling of his first hug, the way he’d leaned close to her ear and whispered, “Your waist is so tiny.”
Her heart had felt ready to burst from her chest.
Back then, Nathan was the charming troublemaker, and she was the straight–A top student. On paper, they were worlds apart, yet they’d secretly dated for so long.
But youth prized emotion above all else, and those who didn’t know any better were so easily lost to each other.
“Ms. Lyons, this way for hair and makeup,” the sales assistant’s voice broke her reverie. She subtly composed herself and followed.
The intricate styling took all afternoon.
Eliana assumed Nathan, ever impatient, would have left long ago. But when she finally emerged, he was still there, waiting.
He stood as she approached. “You waited the whole time?” she asked, unable to hide her surprise.
Nathan raised an eyebrow. “Was I supposed to leave?”
Then a thought seemed to hit him. He leaned in closer, lowering his voice. “Did Logan usually just ditch you to figure things out on your own?”
The tiny flicker of warmth in Eliana’s heart vanished instantly.
Ignoring the jab, she said flatly, “I’m just surprised you have so much free time.”
“Eliana, you really are heartless,” he said, a complex emotion flashing in his eyes. “Do you think I’d waste my time on just anyone?”
Her eyes stung slightly, but before she could process it, he added, “I just really dislike Logan.”
The moment was gone. Eliana turned and walked toward the exit.
Chapter 38
Nathan’s gaze deepened as he watched her go.
65 vouchers
He thought, ‘She’s so foolish. What possible history could I have with Logan? Who else could make me dislike him but her?‘
Nathan tugged irritably at his tie and clenched his jaw.
‘It’s been ten years, and she’s still just as stupid. She still can’t tell a real sentiment from a joke, he thought.
Grumbling internally, he didn’t hesitate for a second before following her.
At that very moment, Isabella was putting the final touches on her own look.
Determined to make a splash, she’d splurged on a top–tier stylist. Once satisfied, she called Logan to pick her
- up.
His car arrived promptly. When Logan stepped out, the clear appreciation in his eyes filled Isabella with smug satisfaction.
She stood waiting, extending a hand. “Aren’t you going to help me?”
Logan walked over, took her hand, and led her to the car.
After opening the door and helping her in, he circled to the other side and settled beside her.
Once he was seated, Isabella leaned against him sweetly. “Logan, do I look good?”
“You look beautiful,” he answered sincerely.
Her smile widened. “I won’t embarrass you as your date tonight, will I?”
He was about to reassure her automatically when an unexpected image flashed in his mind.
He thought of Eliana from years ago.
He’d taken her to a gala soon after their wedding.
She’d worn an old dress of hers, one that had even been altered.
Because of that dress, she’d become the laughingstock of the evening.
He’d blamed her then for making him a spectacle, never stopping to think she had no money.
Not to mention a million–dollar gown, even 100 thousand or 10 thousand would have been a struggle.
After marriage, she’d stayed home at the Eliot family’s request to raise Samuel. The Lyons family was no longer prosperous, and with her pride, she’d never ask her parents for such a thing.
Altering that old dress was probably the most dignified solution she could manage,
The truth was, he was the one who’d put her in that awkward position. And yet, he’d blamed her for his own
Chapter 38
embarrassment.
Isabella, unaware of his thoughts, pouted playfully at his silence. “Logan? Why don’t you speak? Is something wrong with how I look?”
He snapped back to the present. “Of course not. You’re perfect. You could never embarrass me.”
Isabella’s smile returned, triumphant.
The car soon pulled up at the gala venue.
As Logan escorted Isabella into the grand hall, they drew numerous glances.
Her gown and jewels had cost a pretty penny, after all.
Combined with the rumors of Logan’s lingering feelings and her potential future as Mrs. Eliot, many felt obliged to offer her compliments while greeting Logan.
One person praised, “Ms. Hewitt, it’s been years! You’re more radiant than ever.”
The other chimed in, “Indeed! The whole room lit up the moment you walked in.”
Isabella smiled, soaking up the praise. It felt good to be the center of attention again.
But before she could fully savor it, a murmur rippled through the crowd. “Mr. Turner is here.”
The
group around them quickly excused themselves to greet the new arrival.
Nearby, a cluster of socialites buzzed with fresh gossip. “Did you hear?” one woman whispered excitedly. “Mr. Turner brought a date!”
“Really?” another gasped. “I thought he was permanently single. She must be someone special.”
A third woman chimed in with a skeptical shrug. “Maybe not. It’s just a date. But I did catch a glimpse from the distance. She’s absolutely breathtaking. Honestly, she took my breath away.”
“That good?” the first asked, intrigued.
“Let’s go see for ourselves!” the second suggested, already drifting toward the entrance.
Isabella, overhearing every word, gritted her teeth so hard her jaw ached.
She thought venomously, ‘Let’s see who dares to steal my spotlight today.
