Chapter 132 Dress
"Will I disgrace you?" Madison teased.
"Definitely not! You're so beautiful! Dearling," Matthew replied.
"Alright."
"I'll call Grandpa, have the driver pick up Quentin and Hannah, and take them back to the family home. I'll come by for you after work."
"Okay."
After hanging up, Madison realized it was almost lunchtime. She left her office and joined the rest of her small studio team to go out for a meal.
Grinning, Vivian chimed in, "Maddie, if you're treating, we should splurge. How about that new seafood buffet down the street? It's so close, no need to drive, right?"
The team, including their quiet and diligent operations and inventory guys, who tended to keep to themselves, had no objections.
"Let's do it—the seafood buffet it is," Madison agreed with a smile.
With Vivian cheerfully leading the way, the group left the studio, chatting and laughing as they went.
Sophie and Rachel thoroughly enjoyed their meal, and two boys graciously offered to fetch food for them. This seafood buffet wasn't too shabby—after all, you get what you pay for, and the variety and freshness of the seafood made it worth every penny.
Seeing Madison eat sparingly, Rachel interjected, "Madison, you should eat up! Do you know what the best part about a buffet is?"
Madison, peeling a shrimp and popping it into her mouth, looked puzzled. "Why?"
Sophie couldn't help but chime in. "It's all about getting your money's worth by going for the pricey stuff, of course!"
The whole group chuckled at that.
Madison confessed with a slight blush, "Matthew called to say he's taking me to a dinner party tonight. I'm worried that if I overeat, I might not fit into my dress later."
"Woah, like the fancy ones you see on TV? I've never been to a high-end dinner party," Sophie said, clearly impressed.
"You want to go to one? Next time, I'll take you with me," Rachel offered generously. After all, for someone from the Studio, networking with celebrities and socialites was part of the business.
"Really? I can join you, Rachel?" Sophie was clearly thrilled.
"Of course. Do I look like someone who would lie to you?" Rachel teased.
"That's awesome! The food at those upscale hotels must be amazing," Sophie revealed her true motivation.
Rachel shook her head and mused, ‘This kid is always thinking about food!’
"Madison, try this salmon. It's not too filling, and—most importantly—it's on the expensive side," Rachel said, offering Madison a piece.
"Sure," Madison agreed.
Noticing that the boys were rather quiet, Madison encouraged them, "Don't be shy, boys. And don't just listen to Rachel and Sophie—we're here to enjoy, so grab whatever you like."
"Okay, thanks, Madison!" The two replied politely.
Madison really liked the atmosphere at the Studio and was pleased with the three employees they had recruited.
*
Around 5 p.m., Matthew arrived while Madison changed into an evening dress and applied light makeup at the studio. Rather than entering, Matthew parked outside, called her, and waited in the car. Madison, clutching her purse, stepped out and slid into the passenger seat.
Matthew turned to her, his eyes brightening visibly. With a slight smile, he said, "Honey, actually, I was planning to take you shopping for a dress."
Madison looked surprised, then realized he meant shopping for a dress for the evening's event. "Why didn't you tell me earlier? I spent all this time getting ready."
"I had no idea the Studio would just happen to have a gown that fits you," Matthew protested with feigned innocence.
"Come on, with all these clothes in the studio, finding a gown should be a piece of cake," he remarked casually.
"All right, wife is always right, but keep this one for next time. The boutique I found for you is going to be right up your alley," he assured her confidently.
As it was time to leave, Matthew leaned in to fasten Madison's seatbelt, startling her and causing her to jump, accidentally bumping her head on the seat.
"Honey, why so jumpy?" Matthew reached out to check if she had hurt herself on the back of her head.
Madison glared at him playfully, her cheeks crimson. "Who asked you to lean over so suddenly?"
"I'm just strapping you in. What did you think I was up to? Babe, you're all red—got Something on your mind?" Matthew felt utterly innocent. All this was his wife's doing, and now he was getting the blame.
"Nothing. Are we going or not?" Madison snapped, flustered and slightly annoyed.
"Leaving right now, my queen," Matthew said, no longer teasing her, as he started the car and drove away.
Matthew suggested a place he thought she would enjoy, which turned out to be a small shop in an apartment building. It specializes in making beautiful dresses by hand. The owner, a friendly woman in her fifties, knew Matthew already and greeted him warmly. She excitedly brought out a box.
While opening the box to take out a gown, she warmly asked, "This must be your lovely lady, right?"
Matthew nodded slightly in confirmation.
Turning to face Madison, the owner handed her a sleek black dress with intricate detailing at the collar and a distinctive hemline that resembled the graceful sway of a mermaid's tail.
As she led Madison to try on the dress, the owner chatted amiably, "Your husband must be very fond of you. He came here two months ago to have a gown made just for you. I told him I needed your measurements, and he said he wanted to surprise you, which made it a challenge since I couldn't tailor it without sizing you first. I had to say no initially. But he came back, returning with a piece of paper with measurements, insisting that's all I needed. Seeing his dedication, I couldn't refuse."
"Oh, look at that! Fits you like a glove. Your husband's measurements were spot on."
Madison had a small, slender body with curves in just the right places, particularly her gracefully slim legs. Despite being admired by many, she usually concealed her figure under loose dresses. But today, she wore a fitted outfit that highlighted her elegant form.
Aunt Beth took Madison from the back room, and Madison glanced at Matthew with a small smile. Matthew sat on the couch in the living room, his arms crossed, looking thoughtful. The sun's warm glow shone through the window, giving him a golden light that seemed to deepen his gaze.
This was the first time Madison had ever worn a dress like this. It felt foreign to her, and she was initially a bit stiff and uncomfortable. But seeing Matthew in that state, she allowed herself a small smile and looked away.
If a gown it is, so be it.
She knew that at the dinner party, everyone would be dressed to the nines in glamorous attire. With so many beauties present, she doubted she'd draw special attention.
Matthew stood up and joined Madison in front of the mirror. She was in her gown, and he in his suit, and somehow, they looked surprisingly well-matched.
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