Page 257 of Unravelling The Beast

The assistant helps me into the pale pink dress first before opening the curtain, allowing me to step out and look at myself in the large mirror.

I see Jasper observing me from afar, and I turn around to face him.

“What do you think?”

His eyes hesitantly wander down my body, as if he doesn't really want to look, but he doesn't want to be rude and ignore me at the same time.

“Try the white one on; I think it'll look better.”

I give a small nod before staring at myself in the mirror again, running my hands down the front.

“Okay, let's see what the white one looks like!”

We return to the changing rooms, and again, the assistant helps me into the dress before tightening the back for me.

When she draws the curtains open once more, I gaze at myself in the mirror, and I think I much prefer this one. It’s white silk, off the shoulder, that hugs my waist like a bandage but has a long and flared bottom.

“Much better. Arlo would appreciate that one.”

I laugh and shake my head before turning around and checking the back.

“I think this is perfect, but I feel like I'm getting married.”

“Ignore those thoughts. It looks great on you.”

The assistant, who is standing behind me with a beaming smile, joins in on praising me.

“He isn't wrong, Wren. You look stunning.”

I turn to face the front again with a smile on my face.

“Okay, how much is it?”

She takes the price tag from the back into her hand before responding.

“This one is $9,640.”

My eyes bulge and my jaw hangs low.

“Oh no, I couldn't possibly.”

“You're getting the dress, Wren.”

I look at Jasper sharply, and he stands calmly before walking toward me. When he is standing in front of me, he gives the shop assistant a head gesture to leave us alone for a moment.

When she is gone, he speaks quietly.

“Arlo has given me strict instructions that you can have whatever you want, no matter the price.”

“But there's much cheaper stuff here that will look just as good.”

He smirks while responding.

“Arlo sent you here because he knew the fucking prices were high.”

Still feeling that it’s too much money, I continue to protest.

“But it's just one night; I might never wear it again.”

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