Chapter 43
Jerry watched Latham and rolled his eyes, not even trying to hide it.
“Sweetheart, head to the fitting room. Your dress is all ready and waiting for you p>
Dorothea paused, thrown off by Jerry’s words. “You helped me pick it out p>
Even if Jerry and Latham were similar in some ways, Jerry was still a guy. That thought made her a little uneasy.
Jerry grinned. “You think I’d get away with that? I’d love to, but somebody here would never let me p>
He nodded over his shoulder. “My assistant Mary is waiting for you p>
Sure enough, Dorothea spotted Mary in the back—a stunning woman with purple hair. Dorothea took a breath, feeling a bit more at ease.
Mary opened the fitting room door, and Dorothea’s jaw dropped. The wedding dress inside looked almost ethereal, standing quietly under the soft lights. For a moment, Dorothea forgot how to breathe.
Warm golden light spilled down, and the dress seemed to glow, like moonlight poured over a vine. From the pleated shoulders and neckline, a river of purple sparkles drifted down like a galaxy.
“Did Jerry design this?” Dorothea whispered.
Mary just smiled. “Do you like it p>
“I love it.” The words slipped out before she could even think. The lavender purple was perfect, filling her heart with a gentle joy.
In the mirror, the strapless bodice was covered in delicate white pearls that shimmered softly. Fine gold threads at her waist caught the light, hugging her curves. The skirt flowed in three dreamy layers the top floated like early morning clouds, the middle was the color of dewy lavender, and the bottom layer was thick with tiny diamonds, sparkling like a piece of the Milky Way woven into tulle.
“Are you ready?” Latham’s voice came from outside, gentle and steady.
Mary pulled open the door. Dorothea gathered up the huge skirt, her heart pounding. She felt like a princess wrapped in stars, trailing a long train behind her as she stepped out to meet Latham.
Latham’s gaze locked on her. His throat worked as he swallowed, dark eyes glittering with something he tried to hide.
Dorothea’s cheeks warmed. “Does it look okay?” she asked, a little nervous.
Latham’s lips curled into a soft smile. “You look amazing p>
Jerry clapped his hands, beaming. “More than amazing, sweetheart. You’re breathtaking. Every minute I spent on this was worth it p>
Dorothea glanced at the mirror again, unable to believe how beautiful she looked. She smiled, sincere and bright. “Thank you. I really, really love this dress p>
Jerry wasn’t done yet. He brought out two more dresses for Dorothea to try. Each one was straight out of a fairy tale, and Dorothea fell inlove with every single one.
“Did you design all of these?” she asked, curiosity shining in her eyes.
Jerry hesitated, sneaking a look at Latham perched on the sofa. He pressed his lips together. “Not all of them. The first purple one was a collaboration p>
That lavender dress was still Dorothea’s favorite.
When they left the shop, Dorothea thanked Jerry politely. “Thank you. These must be really expensive, right p>
The shop looked simple, but she could tell those diamonds weren’t fake.
Latham chuckled. “What, planning to split the bill with me p>
Dorothea sputtered. “No, of course not. You’re overthinking it p>
She wasn’t about to volunteer to pay for something this pricey.
After they were gone, Mary turned Jerry, curiosity getting the best
her. “Why didnt Latham saveston Co
helped design that dress. If the bride knew, she’d be even happier p>
Jerry shrugged. “Who knows. Maybe he’s just weird p>
The Gresham had a rough couple of days. Two big contracts gone, just like that.
Both partner companies pulled out, cutting ties with them.
Walton found himself venting to Elise. “I’m glad Dorothea came to help out, but she’s still so young. hasn’t even been a month and She already managed to upset Albert. Now two companies have canceled on us. Our revenue this quarter is probably going to drop by twenty percent p>
Elise frowned, crossing her arms. “You’re her uncle. If she messed up, just talk to
her about it p>