Lyla took a few seconds to get used to the bright light before her eyes widened in shock.
A mannequin stood before her, dressed in a grand yet elegant red and black gown, its flowing train blooming like that of a dark rose.
âIt. Itâs beautiful,â Lyla exclaimed, dazed.
âLyse had that internationally-renowned designer, Sharon, make this just for you, Lyla!â Mandy cooed, holding onto Lylaâs shoulders.
âMy goodness, and here I thought I had seen it all. I still feel like squealing in joy seeing Sharonâs design before my eyes! Itâs absolutely gorgeous!â
Alyssa had long been used to the worldâs praise for her designs under her alias, Sharon. Still, it couldnât beat the joy and pride she felt upon hearing praise from her own family.
She silently basked in her joy, grinning.
âSharon? This is too precious, Lyse!â Lyla cried, holding Alyssaâs hand. Her cheeks were flushed with joy.
and bashfulness.
âYou must have put in a lot of money and effort to get this made, right? You really didnât have to! It must have been really difficult!â
âWhat do you mean difficult? Nothingâs too difficult for Alyssa Taylor, daughter of Winston Taylor of Belbanks. Sharon wouldnât dare refuse a personal request from me, hehe!â Alyssa said cheerfully.
âWow! Could you get her to make me something too? I want an outfit for biking-like a leather jacket!â
Colene cried excitedly.
âIâve been so into bikes lately, I even joined Belbanksâ Bikersâ Club. They have monthly events that Iâve been attending, but I still donât have a proper outfit for them yet. Could you get Sharon to make something like that for me? Iâll pay you!â
Alyssa and Lyla were left speechless.
Sensing how off the atmosphere had become, Colene quickly cleared her throat. âAhem⦠I donât think Sharon really makes anything inspired by this industry, so just pretend I never said anything.â
Damn it, she was nearly 40 years old now. When would she grow up?
âDonât worry, Colene, and Mandy. Iâll be sure to ask Sharon to make something for you two when itâs time every âOh? Isnât Sharon rumored to be very stoic and hard to persuade? How could you possibly make her complete more requests after this?â Mandy asked curiously.
Then, she narrowed her eyes. âYou⦠youâre not Sharon, are you, Lyse?â
Both Lyla and Co Lyla and Colene turned to look at Alyssa at the same time.
âUh, of course not!â Alyssa quickly waved the idea away, laughing awkwardly. âIâm already Alexa; I canât be Sharon too. Iâm capable, but not that capable.â
Lyla, Mandy, and Colene said at the same time, âYes, you are!*
Okay, fine. Maybe.
âWait! Thereâs something else too!â Alyssa called, running behind the mannequin to retrieve a red velvet.
box before giving it to Lyla.
âI might be busy tomorrow, so Iâll give you this beforehand first. Happy birthday!â
Tears of gratitude welled in Lylaâs eyes. She slowly opened the box, revealing a delicately carved aquamarine ring of magnificent craftsmanship.