Chapter 87 Shock
On the day of the birthday party, just after 1 PM, Louis came to pick me up. He looked sharp outside my apartment and said he’d take me to get styled. He handed me a flat box from the back seat and asked me to open it. "This is a custom-made dress for you. If you don't like it, we can get another one; we have time."
"Can't I wear my own clothes? Do I have to wear a dress?" I asked.
Inside the box was a knee-length black dress with a subtle silver sheen. It was conservative yet lively, clearly expensive.
I wasn't into luxury goods, but I could tell this dress was pricey. Louis said it was custom-made, so it must've cost at least thirty or forty grand.
His actions made me a bit uneasy.
He kept saying he just wanted me as his date, no strings attached. But having a dress custom-made takes planning, so he must've decided long ago without telling me. He was sure I'd agree.
I wasn't sure if this was Louis manipulating me, but it definitely made me uncomfortable.
"Of course, you have to. It's a formal event with important people. Not wearing a dress would be disrespectful. There are shoes in the trunk; I'll get them for you. The stylist will help you change after your styling, and then we'll head to the Anderson Estate."
I held the dress box, wondering if it was too late to back out.
I wasn't scared, just felt out of place. I couldn't find a reason to look forward to it.
I had a feeling this party wasn't as simple as Louis said and would end badly.
Louis noticed my hesitation, tightened his jaw, and said nothing more, just stepped on the gas.
When the stylist saw me, his eyes lit up. He giggled and circled me twice, exclaiming, "Louis, I thought Miss Carter was top-notch, but this lady is even more beautiful. Such a slim waist and tender skin."
Being scrutinized like that made me uncomfortable. I stepped back, out of his perfume's range.
The stylist looked at me like I was a commodity.
Feeling disrespected was really unpleasant.
His words made it clear I was just one of Louis's many dates. No matter how good-looking I was, who knew who'd replace me next time.
"Don't talk nonsense, Rosen. This is my future girlfriend, here to attend my father's birthday party with me," Louis interrupted, sounding urgent and formal, almost forced.
Feeling stifled, my desire to skip the party grew stronger. I pondered when to say it.
I wanted to back out again, but after much thought, I decided to go. Some things need to be experienced firsthand to let go and avoid regrets.
Before I could refuse, Rosen had already called over two young girls who quickly sat me down to start styling.
Louis sat on the nearest sofa, staring at me with a gentle smile and eyes full of anticipation.
His smile took me back to high school.
We were both seventeen or eighteen, juggling schoolwork and play. During those grueling laps in gym class, Louis always tried to keep up behind me. No matter when I looked back, there he was, smiling.
Back then, Louis was a chubby kid, sweating and panting after one lap. But he always persisted in running behind me.
I was naive and never understood why he insisted on following me, even though he couldn't keep up.
By the time I understood, we had already gone our separate ways.
Seeing Louis sitting in the sunlight with that familiar smile, I couldn't bring myself to refuse.
I didn't know if my indecisiveness was good or bad, or if it would leave me with no way out later.
When the luxury car stopped in front of the Anderson Mansion, I was shocked.
Tall walls, ornate gates, luxury cars in the driveway, a garden filled with rare plants, and a white-haired butler welcoming guests at the Italian-style villa. Elegantly dressed people were everywhere.
Even in a custom-made dress and crystal shoes, with Louis by my side, I felt out of place.
This was his world, not mine.
I didn't admire it, didn't like it, and didn't want to join it.
I just wanted a simple life: a loving husband, a stable home, a couple of well-behaved kids, a regular job, grocery shopping with my husband, and cooking together.
Cinderella marrying the prince and living happily ever after only happens in fairy tales.
"Jane, this is my home. Let me take you inside." Louis gently held my waist. The distance was safe, so I didn't refuse.
Louis continued, "Grandpa likes peace and quiet, so he didn't come over. But my parents, uncles, aunts, and cousins are here. I'll introduce you to them later."
I nodded, but had a bad feeling.
"Louis, you're back. Why so early? Uncle said you might be late." A petite, cheerful girl ran out of the villa, her voice clear.
Louis patted her head. "Why are you running? You're not a child anymore. If Uncle sees you, he'll scold you again."
"It's Uncle's birthday, so I'm happy," she explained.
"Even if you're happy, don't overdo it. By the way, where are my parents?" Louis asked.
"They're over there chatting with guests. Several guests have already arrived," she pointed.
"Jane, this is my cousin Lily Anderson. Lily, this is Jane," Louis introduced.
Lily grabbed my left arm. "Jane, you're so beautiful, prettier than any girl I've ever seen. Louis, you're calling her Jane for now, but is she gonna be Mrs. Anderson soon?"
Lily's teasing made me blush.
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