After a long hesitation, Claudia reappeared, her face flushed as she called out to Bennett.

“The dress doesn't fit you?"

He looked over, his eyes immediately drawn to the towel wrapped just below her collarbone.

Claudia, gripping the doorknob, struggled to articulate her request. Noting her silence, Bennett rose to approach her, asking, “Did you hurt yourself?"

Gathering her courage, Claudia finally managed to ask, “Is there only a dress?"

Bennett's confusion was evident as he queried, “Don't you want to wear a dress?"

“No. But I can't just wear a dress, can 1?"

Claudia hoped that Bennett would finally understand her predicament. She looked at him expectantly.

“I see."

Bennett looked into her eyes intensely, stating, “Hold on. I'll arrange for it to be brought here."

The moment Bennett's words ended, Claudia's face flushed with embarrassment. She nodded in response and replied, “Oh, thank you." Her face twisted in embarrassment.

Numbly, Claudia shut the door. The evening's events seemed unreal, a fantastical dream. Never, not even in her wildest dreams, did she envision such an occurrence.

About ten minutes later, Claudia once again swung open the bathroom door. She was donned in a black dress, barely reaching past her knees.

Time wasn't on her side. Claudia's hair was only halfway dry. Her makeup hadn't fully worn off, though parts of it were smeared.

Bennett rose from the couch, stating, “Let's go back."

“What? We're just going to leave?"

Wasn't that a bit disrespectful?

"Yes."

It was evident Bennett had no fears or worries.

He escorted her out of the room, taking the elevator to the ground floor. Allan had been waiting patiently at the hotel entrance. Upon spotting the pair exiting the Lobby, he courteously opened the back door of the car.

Claudia ducked her head and slid into the vehicle. Bennett took his seat next to her.

The car began to move. Memories of the past half hour flashed through Claudia's mind. She turned to Bennett, asking, “May I ask you something?"

The man lifted an eyebrow, a silent invitation to proceed.

“Is Miss Santiago mentally okay?"