“I didn't expect you to recognize it. This wedding dress possesses certain distinctions from the typical ones," she replied.

Lilyana regarded Ariana with a kind and smiling gaze.

“A client personally designed and commissioned this dress. However, it has been in the store for eight years, and no one has come to claim it. I haven't been able to contact the person either. Now that I am departing and the store is on the verge of closing, it pains me to abandon this dress in eternal seclusion within the confines of a warehouse. As my eyes beheld your presence, an overwhelming sensation arose within me. affirming that this dress was made for you. Our connection today compels me to offer it as a gift, a token of our bond."

Lilyana's words resonated in Ariana's ears, prompting an immediate shake of her head.

"No, no, I cannot possibly accept this. Its worth is immeasurable, and I cannot receive it without having offered anything in return."

Lilyana insisted on bestowing the dress upon her, but Ariana stood resolute in her refusal.

"This dress embodies someone's genuine emotions and your unwavering efforts. I truly cannot bring myself to accept it.”

Witnessing Ariana’s unyielding determination, Lilyana Let out a sigh and uttered, "In that case, do me a favor and indulge me by trying it on. This creation stands as my proudest achievement, yet it has merely adorned a lifeless mannequin. It saddens me greatly to have never witnessed it adorning a Living being."

Ariana, upon hearing Lilyana's plea, could no Longer deny her request and agreed to slip into the dress.

Taking hold of the garment, she made her way toward the fitting room, but a faint trace of cigarette smoke abruptly filled her senses.

Surely, only she and Lilyana remained within the confines of the store.

Why, then, did the scent of smoke infiltrate the air?

Moreover, this particular smoke carried an unusual essence, reminiscent of Theodore's distinctive aroma.

Ariana furrowed her brow and looked forward. The source of the scent seemed to emanate from the inner room.

Ariana hesitated for a moment, her body involuntarily turning towards the enticing inner chamber.

But before she could take another step, Lilyana intercepted her, pointing in a different direction.

"Miss, you're going the wrong way.

The fitting room is over there."

“Oh, I'm sorry," Ariana apologized, snapping out of her momentary trance. It dawned on her that barging into someone's inner chamber without invitation was impolite. Besides, the Lingering scent of smoke had dissipated, perhaps a figment of her imagination.

She offered a slight nod of appreciation to Lilyana and obediently entered the fitting room.