Chapter 6: The Dress Fitting

The bridal boutique was reserved exclusively for Stella that morning. Every employee greeted her respectfully the moment she stepped inside. Luxurious wedding gowns lined the walls, each more breathtaking than the last. The boutique manager personally welcomed Stella with a warm smile. 'Miss Judd, Mr. Chilton instructed us to prepare every design from our newest collection. You may choose whichever one you like.'

Stella couldn't help but feel surprised. In her previous life, she had planned every detail of her wedding to Noel by herself. Noel had never accompanied her to choose a dress, nor had he cared about the preparations. Yet before even meeting Eric properly, he had already arranged everything for her comfort. The difference between the two men became clearer with every passing day.

As the designers adjusted the first gown, Stella stood before the mirror. The elegant white dress fit her perfectly, highlighting both her beauty and graceful temperament. The staff couldn't stop praising her. 'Miss Judd, this dress looks as though it was made especially for you.' Stella smiled politely but continued trying on several more designs.

Nearly an hour later, Eric quietly entered the boutique. He had just finished an important business meeting nearby. Without interrupting anyone, he stood at a distance and watched Stella trying on another wedding gown. When she stepped out from the fitting room wearing a simple satin dress with delicate lace sleeves, Eric's usually calm eyes paused for several seconds.

The boutique manager noticed his reaction and smiled. 'Mr. Chilton, what do you think of this design?' Eric answered honestly, 'It's beautiful. But she's even more beautiful than the dress.' The unexpected compliment caused everyone in the room to smile. Stella herself lowered her eyes slightly, feeling her cheeks warm. She had never expected someone as reserved as Eric to say something so straightforward.

After selecting the final design, Eric invited Stella to have lunch at a nearby restaurant. During the meal, he asked about her hobbies, favorite books, and future plans. Unlike Noel, who only talked about himself, Eric listened carefully whenever Stella spoke. Every question he asked was sincere, making Stella feel respected instead of judged.

Meanwhile, across the city, Noel couldn't concentrate on work. Every news website displayed photos of Stella visiting the bridal boutique with Eric. The comments beneath the articles praised them as a perfect match. Noel stared at the photographs for several minutes before unconsciously tightening his grip on his phone. He couldn't explain why seeing Stella smile beside another man irritated him so much.

That evening, Sophie visited Noel carrying homemade desserts. She noticed he seemed distracted and softly asked, 'Mr. Noel... are you unhappy because Miss Judd is getting married?' Noel immediately frowned. 'Don't mention her. She's only doing this to get my attention.' Sophie lowered her head, hiding the complicated expression in her eyes. She wasn't convinced Noel truly believed those words anymore.

After dinner, Eric personally drove Stella back to the Judd residence. Before she got out of the car, he handed her a small velvet box. Inside was a simple platinum bracelet engraved with a tiny star. 'It's not an engagement gift,' Eric explained calmly. 'Think of it as a promise. As long as you're with me, no one will be allowed to hurt you again.' Stella gently touched the bracelet, her heart unexpectedly warming.

Watching Stella walk safely into her family's mansion, Eric remained inside the car for a few moments before leaving. Neither of them noticed a black luxury sedan parked across the street. Noel sat behind the steering wheel, silently watching everything. His eyes stopped on the bracelet around Stella's wrist, and for the first time in his life, he experienced something he had never felt before... jealousy.