Chapter 67
Iris began her introduction.
“This is my latest design. The inspiration struck me last summer when I was in Southborough, just taking in the sights. I sketched it out on a whim while I was
there.
It’s only just been finished and tailored these last few days. Mrs. Crestwell, do you like it? If not, I have a few other options you can try p>
Seren recognized the name Southborough-she’d heard Nadine mention it before. Perched up on a plateau, Southborough was famous for stargazing in the summer, especially from the mountain peaks just outside town.
Nadine was something of a stargazer herself. Every summer, she made it a point to visit Southborough for the Perseid meteor shower, a tradition she never missed.
No doubt, Iris had found her muse under those same shimmering skies.
Seren had seen Iris’s wedding gowns before-never formulaic, always effortless and free.
She loved this one instantly and nodded. “This one’s perfect p>
Then she realized she hadn’t even asked Lennon’s opinion.
They were married now, after all. They were supposed to talk things over, to listen to each other.
Turning to Lennon, she asked softly, “What do you think of this one p>
Lennon looked down at her, his gaze as gentle as ever. “I think it suits you perfectly p>
Iris watched their exchange, her eyes crinkling with a smile.
“Then it’s settled,” she said. “Mrs. Crestwell, my assistant will take you to the dressing room. I’ll have the gown brought in once it’s ready p>
Iris’s assistant was waiting just outside the showroom. Seren followed her down the hall.
Behind them, Iris watched Seren’s retreating figure, her admiration plain as day.
Seren moved with a quiet grace, like the daughter of an old aristocratic family- composed, serene, untouched by the world’s chaos. That kind of poise came from years of upbringing; it wasn’t something you could fake with a few outfits or a new haircut.
With a chuckle, Iris turned to Lennon. “Your mother’s always telling me you waited fifteen years for your wife. I’ve always wondered what kind of girl could be worth that. Now I see you’ve got excellent taste p>
She added, “And it makes all those late nights I spent making this gown worthwhile p>
Lennon just smiled, saying nothing.
Everyone knew how openly he loved Seren. Everyone but Seren herself.
Not that he dared tell her too soon.
He understood better than anyone: Seren was like a wounded animal, fiercely protective of her own space Rush too hard, and she’d only retreat further. He had to be patient win her over little by little.
When Seren emerged in the wedding dress and stepped into the studio, Lennon was already waiting.
He looked incredible-tall, perfectly proportioned, wearing a classic black tuxedo that fit like it was made for him.
She stared, a little dazed, until Lennon’s voice pulled her back to reality.
“You look beautiful p>
She glanced up. Under the soft white glow of the studio lights, her dark hair was pinned up in a simple chignon, her makeup bright and radiant.
Lennon’s eyes didn’t bother to hide his amazement.
Seren nodded. “I think the dress is beautiful too p>
Lennon corrected her, slow and deliberate. “I was talking about Mrs. Crestwell p>
Seren’s cheeks flushed; her heart fluttered wildly, as if someone had dropped a pebble into still water, sending ripples everywhere.
He was so smooth, so disarmingly charming.
It was getting harder and harder to resist him.
Just a few words from Lennon, and her mood was all over the place.
The photographer set the lights and the scene, signaling that they’d begin.
Apparently, Lennon had already
discussed things with the
photographer The first shots were
simple, with polite poses and
measured distance-nothing too
intimate.
Seren started out a little stiff and uncertain, but gradually she relaxed, her expressions and gestures growing more natural as the shoote went on.
The photographer snapped away, giving gentle instructions. “Mr. Crestwell, Mrs.
Crestwell, turn toward me-yes, stand face to face p>
“Perfect, hold it right there p>
“Now for the next one-Mr. Crestwell, give Mrs. Crestwell a kiss full of love p>