“Miss Lin, your fitting is scheduled for 2:00 p.m. sharp," the boutique manager beamed. “Mr. Carlisle sent the latest design adjustments—silk imported from Lyon, hand embroidery from Kyoto."
Christina smiled politely. “Lovely. Let's begin."
Inside the private fitting room, assistants flitted around her like birds in a gilded cage.
“This gown is divine," one whispered. “He must be madly in love to commission this level of detail."
Another added, “Did you hear? He closed down the boutique just for her."
Christina said nothing. The dress shimmered. The mirror reflected perfection.
But it didn't feel like her.
---
The boutique door chimed.
“Mr. Felix Carlisle and Miss Amanda Leclair," the receptionist called.
Christina's breath caught.
“Please take them upstairs," the manager whispe
