While discussing Melon, Holden thought again about the man from the previous night. He hesitated, typing and deleting messages repeatedly but was unable to make himself ask.

When they finally ended their conversation, Holden had reached home.

At that moment, Shawn came back with a gift box in hand.

Spotting Holden, Shawn approached and said, “Mr. Fredrick, this delivery arrived at the company, and it's addressed to you."

Upon receiving the gift box, Shawn felt it was unusual. Holden rarely received deliveries at the office, prompting Shawn to meticulously inspect it for potential threats before bringing it home. Folded inside was an elegant wedding gown.

The gown had a captivating mermaid-style design. It was adorned with intricately embroidered pearls and gemstones, exuding a charming appeal.

However, Shawn hesitated, uncertain whether it truly belonged to Holden. Consequently, he decided to bring it home.

Holden collected the gift box and opened it. As he gazed upon the exquisitely crafted wedding gown, an inexplicable wave of familiarity enveloped him.

In his mind, a blurry image surfaced -— a magnificent silhouette standing before him, wearing this very wedding gown, poised to gracefully turn and reveal itself.

Holden extended his hand towards the ethereal figure shimmering before him, but as he drew near, it shattered like a delicate soap bubble and vanished without a trace. No matter how he tried, the flickering face remained obscured.

With a puzzled expression, Holden ran his fingers over the intricate beadwork adorning the wedding gown he was holding.

Questions swirled in his mind. Where had this dress come from? Who would send it to him? And why did it stir a sense of eerie familiarity? Could it be a dress he had commissioned?

Holden sank into the sofa, mulling over the silk-and-lace confection.

It must have been his own order, but the details eluded him.

When did he make this request? Why had it arrived only now? The gaps in his memory taunted him.

And a strange frustration welled up inside him. For the first time, Holden felt totally clueless.

Footsteps echoed on the staircase.

"Holden, is that you?" Sadie called out. Her eyes widened at the sight of the dress draping across his lap, and she rushed down with excitement bubbling in her.

"Is this for me?" she asked, gathering the gown in her hands, her fingers admiring the delicate seed pearls and intricate beadwork.

“I know you still care about me!"