Evelyn thought about her university years.
Among all her classmates, only one had truly been a close friend.
Her roommate, Amelia.
Amelia was quiet and somewhat introverted.
But she possessed a natural, raw talent for design.
After graduation, she married and moved overseas.
Their messages became less frequent, then eventually stopped.
From the bits of news Evelyn had heard, Amelia was doing well.
Evelyn had never felt particularly connected to her other former classmates.
Yet, she felt a strong pull to see Amelia again.
"Alright," Evelyn said. "I'll go."
Lucas's face brightened immediately.
"Saturday at seven, The Oakwood Manor. Don't be late, Evelyn!"
That evening, after work, Evelyn searched through her belongings.
She found her old university graduation album.
Flipping through the pages, her eyes stopped on photos of her and Amelia.
A familiar wave of nostalgia washed over her.
Alexander wheeled into the room.
His tone was light and curious. "What has you so engrossed?"
She looked up and handed him a few photographs.
"Just looking at my old roommate. We were very close in college." Her voice softened. "There's a reunion this weekend. I have no idea what to wear."
An idea suddenly occurred to her.
She turned to him with a hopeful smile. "Why don't you help me choose? I'm terrible at this sort of thing."
Alexander raised an eyebrow but gave a slow nod. "Very well. Let's assess the situation."
Without hesitation, Alexander took out his phone and made a call.
"Send over a selection of the latest evening dresses."
Evelyn's head jerked up in surprise. "Wait, seriously? That's really not necessary."
He leaned back, completely unperturbed. "Of course it is. You are my wife. You must make an impression. Otherwise, people might talk. They might say I can't provide for you properly."
She let out an exaggerated sigh.
But she couldn't conceal the amused sparkle in her eyes.
The order was already placed. Protesting was pointless.
She decided to simply go with it.
Soon after, a delivery arrived.
Several elegant, high-end dresses were presented, as if for a private fashion viewing.
Evelyn first tried on a simple black evening gown.
She studied her reflection in the mirror, pressing her lips together.
A flicker of uncertainty crossed her face.
"This feels a bit too severe," she murmured, smoothing the fabric.
Alexander watched from his chair, arms crossed. "Try another one."
Next, she slipped into a white dress.
She gave herself a critical once-over. "Too bland."
She tried two more dresses, but neither felt right.
A sense of frustration began to creep in.
Alexander noticed her hesitation.
His eyes scanned the remaining options.
He selected one and handed it to her. "Try this."
Evelyn took the dress and blinked in surprise.
It was a vibrant red.
She ran her fingers over the luxurious material, hesitating.
"Isn't this a little... much?"
It was only a college reunion. Did she need to make such a statement?
Alexander raised an eyebrow, his tone casual yet firm. "Don't judge it yet. Try it on first."
Evelyn released a small sigh but took the dress and went to change.
The red gown flared slightly at the skirt, the fabric flowing with a dramatic elegance.
As she put it on, she felt a little self-conscious, unaccustomed to such a bold color.
Carefully holding the hem, she stepped out.
She was acutely aware of how the dress accentuated her figure.
Her eyes met Alexander's gaze.
Her voice was quieter than before. "Well? How does it look?"
Their eyes locked.
In the depth of his gaze, she saw something unmistakable.
Admiration.
"It looks incredible," Alexander said, his voice steady and sure. "This is the one. You look absolutely stunning."