Chapter 8

I spent three hazy days at the mansion, dragged by Liam to help Chloe Hayes choose a wedding dress.

I didn't know if Liam was doing it on purpose, but he specifically chose the boutique where we used to custom-order dresses three years ago.

The manager, Ms. Evelyn, greeted them warmly. "Mr. Sterling, Ms. Hayes, you two haven't been here in ages! Come right in."

I politely replied, "This young lady is getting engaged in a few days. We're here to look at dresses."

Ms. Evelyn winked, and a staff member, Mark, immediately pulled Chloe Hayes inside to look at dresses.

Ms. Evelyn invited Liam and me to wait in the tea room outside the changing rooms.

While walking, she spoke to me, "Ms. Hayes, the dress Mr. Sterling ordered for you three years ago was never picked up. I thought you'd never come back."

"But we've kept it safe for you. I'll get it out for you to see now."

Before I could say anything, another staff member wheeled out the dress, displaying it before us.

The most outstanding feature of the entire dress was its design.

A three-year-old design that still looked timeless today.

I seemed to recall the days when we attended various formal events together.

Back then, Liam would often have custom dresses made for me.

My first formal dress was designed by Liam.

On the day of the school's formal dance, the Hayes family had a special dress custom-made for Chloe Hayes. I was completely forgotten, left to watch enviously from the side.

Liam, somehow, found out. He drew the sketches himself, searched all over the city for a tailor, who worked overtime for three nights to rush the dress into completion.

From then on, every formal dress I wore had Liam's input.

Liam's eyes were full of love when he looked at me then. "My dear Ms. Anya, it's truly an honor to invite you as my date."

I would tease him back, smiling, "I think it's *your* honor."

I looked at the dress, my eyes welling up. "Yes, it's beautiful."

Ms. Evelyn smiled. "Of course. Mr. Sterling personally drew the design, and we rushed to make it."

I looked at Liam, my heart filled with mixed emotions.

Just then, Chloe Hayes, wearing a dress, broke the silence. "Liam darling, let's try another store. I think the dresses here are just so-so."

Suddenly, Chloe Hayes spotted the dress in Ms. Evelyn's hand, her eyes lighting up. "Wow! Liam darling, this dress is so gorgeous!"

Liam asked, "You like it?"

Chloe Hayes nodded. "Yes! I love it! Liam darling, let's wear this one for our engagement party, okay?"

My face was complicated as I looked at Liam.

Liam merely glanced at the dress, then dotingly nodded. "Mhm, if you like it."

I couldn't help but mock myself in my heart. "He's about to get engaged. Why would he cling to old affections? Anya, don't be delusional anymore."

Ms. Evelyn's gaze flitted between Liam and Chloe Hayes, a little confused. I explained, "This young lady will be Mr. Sterling's fiancée in a few days."

After speaking, I glanced at the calendar on my phone. Four more days.

Liam had a major business deal at his company these past two days, so the engagement preparations were left to Chloe Hayes.

Aside from the occasional affectionate photos Chloe Hayes sent me, generally, no one bothered me.

On the fifth day, Chloe Hayes found me again.

"For the engagement, I need a ring. I want that one you've kept treasured."