Chapter 114 I Love Everyone
The styling studio spanned three floors.
As a style boutique, they also carried an exclusive selection of evening gowns.
Socialites and heiresses often found themselves in need of a last-minute dress for a gala. This was where they'd turn up, searching for the perfect piece.
But most of the gowns required alterations. After all, they weren't custom-fitted.
Yet, the gown that Nora had on seemed like it was made just for her.
So, the stylist was puzzled when Aaron insisted on changing it. "Mr. Gordon, is there something wrong with this dress? Miss Smith looks stunning in it—just look at her figure; it couldn't be more flattering! This gown is quite unforgiving; any flaw would be blatantly obvious, but Nora doesn't have anything to worry about."
Praise sparkled in the stylist's eyes as he highly recommended it.
Aaron's displeased expression was evident as he said firmly, "Just change it."
His eyes weren't playing tricks on him; he knew Nora looked breathtaking in that gown. The shoulder-baring design and the generous neckline accentuated her sensuality.
He could just imagine the shamelessly wandering eyes of the men at the party, and it was something he couldn't tolerate.
"Fine then," the stylist said with a hint of disappointment as he had his assistant bring a selection of gowns for Aaron to choose.
Nora didn't voice any opinion on the matter. Although she did check her reflection in the floor-length mirror and thought the gown was quite beautiful, it was too revealing for comfort.
"This one," Aaron said, picking out a more conservative, teal-colored evening gown.
The stylist glanced at Nora, and a pang of regret flashed across his face. "Mr. Gordon, are you sure you want Nora to wear this gown? It's nice, but it certainly won't be as stunning as the one she's wearing now."
"Just change it," Aaron decided firmly.
He didn't need Nora to dazzle anyone else; knowing her beauty himself was enough.
Nora took the gown without a word and headed to the dressing room to change.
Once she reemerged, the stylist removed her lipstick and applied a different shade. Instantly, the vibrant rose transformed into an elegant, slightly mysterious woman—like a captivating blue siren, inviting a deeper discovery.
Aaron watched her, a slight frown creasing his brow.
She was too eye-catching!
Perhaps he should have her attend the party in casual attire instead.
"Are we ready to go?" Nora asked, noticing Aaron's frown and feeling somewhat bemused by his apparent dissatisfaction.
Aaron stifled the urge to ask Nora to change back into her own clothes. He simply nodded, and led her out of the styling studio.
Once in the car, Nora exhaled a soft sigh.
Because she was wearing an evening gown, she sat with extra caution, barely daring to breathe.
Aaron glanced over at her upright posture and raised an eyebrow.
"Relax, there's no need to be so tense around me."
Nora remained silent, knowing she had little choice in the matter.
She shot him a glance, clearly unamused. Without further engagement, she pulled out her phone to video call Alex and the kids.
The call was answered quickly, and the endearing faces of her three children filled the screen.
"Mom."
Nora's face softened into a warm smile. "My little ones, are you back from school? Did you see the presents I brought?"
"We did," they chimed in unison.
Nora glanced at Aaron but didn't take all the credit.
"I picked out the presents, but Mr. Gordon was the one who paid for them."
Aaron's eyebrows rose, and he leaned in to greet the kids.
"Thanks, Mr. Gordon," Alex expressed his gratitude politely, followed by an echo from Billy and Samantha.
"Mom, you look different today!"
Samantha's attention was fixed on Nora's face, her large eyes sparkling.
Nora touched her cheek. "I have to attend a party with Mr. Gordon later, so I put on a little makeup."
"Are you wearing a pretty dress too?" Samantha inquired.
Nora tilted her phone slightly downward to give the three a glimpse of her gown.
"You're so beautiful, Mom. You’re like a popular celebrity," Alex couldn't help but compliment.
"No, Mom is prettier than a celebrity; she's like a fairy," Billy added.
Their comments brought giggles from Nora.
Samantha blinked. "Your dress is so pretty, Mom. I want to wear a beautiful dress for a performance too."
Curious, Nora asked, "Samantha, are you going to be in a performance?"
"Yes. Next month, my kindergarten is organizing a show, and I've been chosen to lead the singing!" Samantha declared with pride.
Nora gave a thumbs up and praised, "That's amazing, Samantha!"
"Mom, can I wear a pretty little dress for my performance?" Samantha giggled as she asked.
Before Nora could reply, Aaron interjected, "Of course you can; I'll buy you a lovely dress."
Samantha beamed with joy upon hearing this.
"Thank you, Mr. Gordon, I love you so much!"
The tender voice of a child melted Aaron's heart.
Nora pursed her red lips briefly and exchanged a few more words before ending the call with the three kids.
"Thomas, I'll buy Samantha's dress; you don't need to spend any more money."
He was too generous with her and the children.
Generous to the point where she felt oddly guilty.
"You can buy what you want; I'll give what I wish," Aaron remarked without looking up from the laptop on his legs.
Nora hesitated. "Doesn't it bother you? I feel burdened seeing you often paying for things."
Aaron glanced up at her. "You don’t have to feel burdened, Nora. You've helped me a lot, and I'll always be grateful. Treating the kids well is simply because I like them."
A sudden leap in Nora's heart.
Seeing him return his gaze to the laptop, she parted her lips but eventually chose to keep silent.
She shouldn't overthink things.
His gratitude was surely because she saved him.
Aaron's affection for her was probably no more than a patient's for their doctor!
After a while, the car finally stopped outside a grand estate-like hotel.
Brilliant lights illuminated the entire estate, presenting a scene of opulence.
Aaron asked Frederick not to follow, so Nora wheeled him in, escorted by a server.
Passing through a vast lawn, they entered the banquet hall.
The glow from crystal chandeliers rained down, highlighting everyone's beaming faces.
Well-suited gentlemen and ladies with floating hems gathered in lively groups.
As they made their appearance, they caught everyone’s attention.
"Isn't that Aaron Gordon?"
"Rumors said he had a limp, and he really does!"
"Who's that pushing his wheelchair? She's gorgeous!"
"Why isn't Suzy with Aaron at the gala tonight? Could that woman be his new girlfriend?"