Chapter 95

 95:
“I never imagined anyone could bring such life to this gown.”
“Ma’am, your elegance is simply unparalleled.”
The purple strapless gown clung to Linsey, its luxurious fabric caressing her smooth skin, making her glow under the soft lighting. Her arms, graceful and poised, delicately lifted the hem of her dress as if she were a princess stepping right out of a fairy tale.
The gown hugged her waist, emphasizing her slender silhouette, and the deep purple—a notoriously challenging shade to wear—complemented her calm demeanor without overwhelming her natural beauty.
Catching her reflection in a mirror, Linsey paused, a wave of disbelief washing over her. She hardly recognized the stunning woman gazing back at her.
“I absolutely love the gown you picked for me. Thank you,” she murmured, her eyes twinkling with a grateful smile.
The makeup artist, touched by her sincerity, gave her a heartfelt smile in return. “Mrs. Riley, you might not know this, but it was Mr. Riley who personally selected this gown and the accompanying jewelry for you.”
Surprised, Linsey’s heart fluttered. “Collin?”
“Yep, that’s right,” the makeup artist replied with a nod.
Linsey blinked, her eyes dropping to the exquisitely tailored gown she was wearing. A hint of awe tinged her voice. “The measurements…”
The makeup artist leaned in, her tone bright with a hint of pride. “Your husband provided them. Not only that, but he knew exactly what colors and styles you would want. From the way your face lit up earlier, it’s clear you really love this dress.”
Still enveloped in her reverie, Linsey listened as the hairstylist chimed in, her voice laced with a touch of envy. “You’re so lucky! Mr. Riley really gets what you like—it’s not every day you find someone so thoughtful.”
Linsey was surprised by how caring Collin was.
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She had only moved into Vista Villa a month prior, and her interactions with Collin had been scarce, his frequent absences leaving them precious little time together. Yet, despite this, he had discerned her favorite colors and styles with uncanny accuracy. His attentiveness spoke volumes.
That he had noted such details was a testament to his desire to understand her completely.
These preferences were subtly woven into her everyday life and habits; without keen observation, they would be easy to miss.
The realization left Linsey feeling slightly bewildered, yet deeply touched.
Apart from her childhood friend Dolores, Linsey had never felt such genuine care from anyone else.
Her past relationship with Felix had started with gentle attentiveness, yet as the years wore on, he became so distant he even neglected to remember her birthday.
Lost in her reverie, Linsey was startled when Collin’s rich, deep voice cut through the silence. “Do you like the dress you’re wearing?”
His question was straightforward yet tinged with a hint of curiosity. Jerking back to the present, Linsey realized that Collin had slipped into the room unnoticed.
Catching her first glimpse of him today, she saw he had opted for a change in his usual attire.
He was dressed in a deep navy-blue suit that hugged his shoulders snugly, the fabric looking like it was spun from midnight itself. The suit was impeccably tailored, and his tie was knotted to perfection, giving him an aura of refined elegance. His hair, slightly tousled, lent him an effortlessly sophisticated appearance, enhancing his already striking features.
As Collin wheeled himself closer, his eyes lingered on her, a subtle glimmer of admiration flickering across his expression.
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.
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