Chapter 26: Chapter 26

Chapter 26

“Got it. It’s just…” Letitia said, “I don’t have a dress for it.”

Elgin leaned back, eyes half-closed, eyeing her.

“Letitia, do you remember the first time we met?”

She hesitated, then nodded, “Yeah.”

More like seared into her soul, an unforgettable nightmare, because that marked the start of her living hell. Their first encounter was at AquaCity University, in the dean’s office.

Naive as she was, she walked in only to find Elgin in black. His presence was daunting – devilishly handsome with an air of menace.

“You’re Dr. Sanders daughter?”

“Yes.. yes

“Letitia Sanders?

“Yes

“Good” Elgin stood and approached, “Come with me.”

And that’s how he took control of her. So much so… she never got to say goodbye to Vidonia.

Elgin suddenly snorted, Tonight. I’ll take you shopping. Now, get out!”

He realized Letitia was still the same as when they first met, no big changes. She wasn’t crazy, not numb with despair, like a flower blooming among thorns, even more beautiful.

She shed her schoolgirl innocence for a woman’s allure, curves in all the right places.

Elgin closed his eyes, shaking the mess from his mind.

After work, Letitia sprinted to Elgin’s car, her face flushed with panic, terrified of being seen.

The car stopped at a high-end boutique.

This place catered to VIPS only, with personal designers for measurements, unique styles you wouldn’t find on anyone else

But… everything here was pricey.

So, Letitia hesitated, “Are you sure you want to shop here for me?”

‘Yeah.”

“But…

“You don’t like it here?

Letitia replied, “No. Can you just give me the cash instead?”

Elgin stepped out of the car, stone-faced, “Dream on!”

Once inside, Elgin ditched her with the staff and settled down with a coffee in the lounge

The manager personally took charge, spending an hour to dress Letitia up from head to toe!

As the curtain slowly drew back, Letitia stepped forward, lifting her dress.

“Mr. Ramirez, take a look, the manager said, “She’s stunning…

Elgin looked up, his gaze filled with awe.

Diamonds adorned the her, sparkling brilliantly, refracting dazzling light with every step Letitia took. The off-the-shoulder design showcased her collarbone and slender neck perfectly. Not to mention her waspish waist and those curves

“The dress suits her perfectly, she looks even better than the mannequins, the manager praised, “With such a Captivating face and stunning figure, che’ll be the star of any event!”

Chapter 26

Letitia felt uneasy. Her reflection was too ethereal, too gorgeous. She hadn’t seen herself like this in ages, the last time being at her 20th birthday party. Back when she was her parents’ little princess.

Elgin watched her, momentarily forgetting to look away.

The first time he saw Letitia, he knew she was a beauty in the making. Now, she had fully blossomed.

“Will this do?” Letitia asked softly, “What do you think?”

Elgin snapped back to reality, looking back at his magazine, “Ugly.”

“What?!” The manager was baffled.

“Get another outfit! Elgin demanded, Something more subdued”

How could she dress so remarkably, glowing like a goddess? Elgin thought. Just thinking about how those men at the party would have their eyes glued to her, ogling non-stop, Elgin wished he could hide her away! No one should get a peek!

In the end, Letitia slipped into a pale pink gown. It was simple and understated, yet it couldn’t hide her good looks.

Elgin handed her off to the driver. Take her to the venue.”

Then, he went to pick up Shela.

Letitia felt like Cinderella, all dolled up in a gorgeous dress, riding in her pumpkin carriage, knowing that at the stroke of midnight, the magic would wear off and she’d be back to her miserable life.

The charity auction was a high-profile event, attended by big shots from all walks of life, the who’s who of society.

Letitia, being alone, stuck out like a sore thumb, and nobody knew her.

So, when she tried to enter the venue, the doorman stopped her, saying, “This ain’t no place where anyone in a dress can just waltz in. Go hang around somewhere else!”

Chapter 27

Chapter 27

Letitia answered with her head held high, “I’m here for the charity auction.”

“Entry is by invitation only! Got yours?”

“I…” Letitia choked. Elgin didn’t give her one! But then, a bunch of people strolled in like they owned the place, and the doorman didn’t even check their invites.

“Why aren’t you checking their invitation? Letitia asked.

“Their faces are their passes, everybody in AquaCity knows them. And you? Who the heck are you? Scram!” With that, the doorman tried to shoo her away

Letitia, in her high heels which she hadn’t worn in ages and not quite used to them, with her long dress hem, stumbled

back a couple of steps, nearly fell.

“Watch out. Suddenly, a pair of hands steadied her. Only then did Letitia regain her balance, turning with gratitude to see who it was, “Thank you”

But her smile froze when she saw it was Walden.

“Why are you all by yourself? Walden asked. “Where’s Mr. Ramirez?”

“Don’t worry about me, Mr. Sullivan, it’s none of your business.”

Walden sighed, How could he leave you here… to be bullied.”

Letitia pulled her hand back, “I just left my invite in the car, I’ll go get it now.”

“No need” Walden grabbed her again, “Come in with me.”

When the doorman saw Walden, he quickly plastered on a smile, “Mr. Sullivan, this girl just popped up from nowhere. I’ve seen plenty of these girls trying to snag a man!”

Walden’s face darkened, “She’s my friend, what nonsense are you spouting?”

“Ah… sorry, sorry, right this way, please!”

Walden turned to Letitia, ‘Let’s go.”

She had to, she couldn’t just stand awkwardly at the entrance forever.

Just as Letitia was about to agree, a commotion started behind them.

“Mr. Ramirez is here!”

“Whoa, talk about a VIPI

“Mr. Ramirez rarely shows up, and he’s got a date today!”

“Is that woman… could it be the newlywed Mrs. Ramirez?”

The crowd surged towards where Elgin was.

Letitia looked back to see Shela clinging to Elgin’s arm, the pair flanked by bodyguards making their way to the entrance.

Elgin also caught sight of her, then his gaze turned even colder towards Walden by her side!

In such a short time, she was already cozying up to an old flame! Such a fickle woman!

Shela, on the other hand, was visibly basking in the attention, chin up and proud.

“Oh, Mr. Ramirez,’ she said deliberately, How come Letitia’s so close to another man?”

Elgin’s face was stone

She’s got no sense of propriety Shela huffed, “I bet she got herself a man just to make you jealous because you brought me