Page 74 of Sexted By a Stranger
The main body of my design was complete, with only a few details left to work out with old George regarding the complex structural craftsmanship. Time had become more abundant.
Finally, on an evening when I'd finished modifying the design details, time flew by rapidly in the midst of busyness. Iset down my pen, rubbing my somewhat sore wrist, and let out a long sigh of relief.
Today was the day.
I picked up my coat and handbag, then called my mother.
"Mom, you and Leon go ahead and eat dinner. I need to go buy something."
"Alright, sweetheart. Come home early and be careful," Mom reminded me.
"I will, Mom."
I gathered my things, hailed a cab, and headed straight for the shopping center.
As evening lights began to shine, the luxury boutique windows along Fifth Avenue lit up with brilliant illumination, making the entire street look like a flowing river of stars.
I walked into an old shop renowned for handcrafted silverware and high-end men's accessories.
"Good evening, madam. How may I help you?" A perfectly groomed salesperson approached.
"I'd like to look at tie clips and cufflinks," I said, my gaze already falling on the exquisite pieces gleaming with understated light in the glass display cases.
Platinum tie clips set with tiny black diamonds, sleek and sharp in design; a pair of deep sea blue enamel cufflinks embedded with miniature Starlight patterns, profound yet romantic. My fingertips traced lightly over the cold glass surface as my mind involuntarily conjured images of Luca receiving these gifts.
Would he raise an eyebrow slightly? Would those brown eyes that always held deep secrets fill with surprise? Would he put them on immediately? Or would he first pull me into his arms, using that low, possessive voice to whisper in my ear, "La mia stellina, is this a bribe?" At the thought, my mouth curvedupward completely beyond my control, and my cheeks grew warm.
After trying several pieces, I still felt something was missing.
Maybe I should look around more?
I thanked the salesperson and walked out, continuing to stroll along the brilliantly lit street.
Just then, an evening gown on a mannequin in a shop window caught my eye.
It was a wine-red velvet gown with an extremely simple design, no unnecessary embellishments. The only highlight was an elegant yet daring cutout on the back, woven with intricate black lace in a pattern of intertwining thorns that extended down to the waist.
My steps involuntarily stopped in front of the window.
The pleasant sound of wind chimes rang out as an impeccably made-up sales associate with a perfect smile approached gracefully.
"Good evening, madam. How may I assist you?" Her gaze swept over me briefly before landing precisely on the window I was studying.
"You have excellent taste. That's our limited edition Night Rose from this season—only one piece. Would you like to try it on?"
"Yes, please."
"Certainly, right this way." The sales associate led me toward the fitting area at the back of the store. There was a heavy wooden door that blocked the view between the inside and the outside.
The sales associate pulled open the door, revealing a comfortably arranged small space with a soft ottoman and a large full-length mirror.
"Please, I'll be right outside. Call me if you need anything." The sales associate handed me the dress, then stepped out and closed the door behind her.
The wooden door blocked out the lights and sounds from the shop outside, leaving only the soft glow from several overhead spotlights in the fitting room. I eagerly took off my coat and carefully picked up that heavy velvet gown. I turned my back to the mirror, my fingers just touching the buttons, preparing to remove my clothing—
A brutal force struck without warning from behind. A hand wearing thin black gloves, carrying an extremely pungent smell, clamped down hard over my mouth and nose. The smell instantly shot into my nasal cavity, straight to my brain, bringing an intense anesthetic sensation.
Ether.
