Suddenly, a memory sparked in the owner's eyes.

"There's something else. I've seen the bride meant for the dress. A photograph of her was among my mother's belongings. She was a sight to behold."

Holden's interest peaked.

"Can I view that album?"

The shop owner hesitated.

"The album's location is a mystery after we organized my mother's things. But I can check at home."

The glint of hope waning slightly in Holden's eyes, he swiftly unlocked his phone, pulling up images of Sadie.

“Is this the woman?"

The shop owner observed the photos intently and with certainty responded, “No, it isn't her."

Upon seeing the photos of Sadie, the middle-aged man noted, “She's undoubtedly attractive, but the girl I recall had a softer demeanor.

Their facial structures aren't identical. The young woman from years ago had smoother, more fluid lines in her face, giving her an incredibly approachable appearance."

As the shop owner relayed this description, Holden's mind involuntarily drifted to Ariana. He imagined her, radiant in a wedding dress, mirroring the figure he had visualized upon receiving the dress earlier. The thought felt like an impossible dream.

"Mr. Fredrick?" The middle-aged man's voice broke through Holden's reverie. He chuckled, dismissing his whimsical musings. Such serendipities seemed improbable. Moreover, Ariana had already shared that she had lost her husband.

She was a young widow, dedicated to her child, with seemingly no past connection to him.

The shop owner, sensing Holden's internal musings, added, “I may not be the best with words, but I promise to search for those photos at home and notify you if I find them."

"I'd be grateful for that. Thank you," Holden expressed, sharing his contact details before leaving the shop. As he exited, Holden contemplated checking out the apartment the shop owner had mentioned.

However, his phone buzzed with an incoming call from Shawn.

“Mr. Fredrick, there's a crucial meeting slated for this afternoon, requiring your presence."

Pausing, Holden responded, “Set it up."

Upon ending the call, he exhaled deeply and directed his steps towards Eleymond.