At that moment, Holley appeared wearing an intricate lace-trimmed dress, casting a shy glance at Luis. "What do you think of this one? I feel white suits me," she said softly.

Upon a swift glance, Luis promptly dismissed the dress, saying, “This isn't quite your style."

He attempted to soften his critique with tact.

Since Holley was not particularly tall and her waist was not slender enough, wearing such an intricate dress could turn out to be a disaster. She resembled more of a Christmas turkey.

Luis exercised considerable tact in his indirect expression.

Holley felt disappointed, but she wasn't one to easily give up. She proceeded to try on several more dresses, hoping to find one that would impress Luis.

She was uncertain whether the issue lay with herself or the dresses.

Yet regardless of the selection, none seemed to inspire favor.

Holley was on the verge of tears, but her mood shifted when she spotted a navy blue beaded embroidered long dress in the window display. Her eyes lit up with delight, and she pointed at it eagerly, exclaiming, "I want to try that one."

The manager hesitated, discomfort briefly flickering across her features. “Regrettably, this is a bespoke creation for a patron. Singular in existence," she disclosed.

In hushed tones, Holley proposed, “Could we perhaps negotiate a rental? Surely, for a nominal fee of $2, 000 per day, the owner might entertain the notion?"

The manager offered a strained smile in response.

A bespoke gown, commencing at a staggering half-million dollars, scarcely graced the shoulders but a handful of times. $2, 000 for rental sounded nothing but absurd.

But to avoid causing embarrassment to Luis, she refrained from stating the obvious.

Luis inquired, "May I inquire who ordered this piece? I am prepared to offer double the value as recompense.”

The manager chuckled awkwardly. "Your generosity knows no bounds, Mr. Mendez! However, I'm certain you are acquainted with the patron. It would be impolitic to divulge her identity directly. Rest assured, that young lady isn't short on money either."

Luis suspected that Elva might have been the one who ordered it.

He couldn't resist stealing several more glances at the dress, almost envisioning how Elva would appear in it. With her long neck and slender waist, she would definitely rock that dress.

He then told Holley, "This one isn't quite right for you either."

Holley expressed her discontent, saying, "But I really love this one. I think it suits me."