Echoes of Unrequited Love

Chapter 158

“Sure thing,” Timothy's voice suddenly shot up a few decibels over the phone, “it'd be my pleasure.”

| let out a small sigh of relief, but felt a bit uneasy on the inside.

After all, partying was just a front; the real mission was to track down FreeMan.

But if Wallis‘ tip—off was on the money and FreeMan had shown up at River Villa, was Timothy in the know or not? “Xaviera, I've got another favor to ask.”

The crisp voice snapped me back to reality, and | asked in confusion, “What's up?”RêAd lat𝙚St chapters at Novel(D)ra/ma.Org Only

“You know how Sean loves to fuss over fancy stuff, and tomorrow night's party is going to have a retro theme,” Timothy paused for effect, “so | might need to trouble you with the dressing up part.”

Aretro theme. Did that mean | had to get myself dolled up in that style of fashion? | was instantly in a bind.

“Don't sweat it, Xaviera. Our family has a talented tailor living in Pinecrest Hollow. If you head over now to get fitted, they can rush. it out overnight.”

Though it sounded like a hassle, | thought to myself, since I'd agreed to go with Timothy, | might as well play by the rules. So | agreed, “Alright, let’s do it your way.”

“Then wait for me, I’m coming to pick you up right now!”

13:33

Before | could respond, the call had ended.

An hour later, | followed Timothy into an antique—looking tailor shop with a classic charm.

The place was decked out in traditional decor, with wooden tones not exactly swanky but it had a dignified and understated beauty at first glance.

The owner looked like a man of taste.

“Mr. Temple, Mr. Louis has been waiting for quite some time,” the server said with respectful politeness, “right this way, please.” Soon after, we were introduced to a man in his fifties wearing a

traditional suit.

“This is Louis,” Timothy dropped his flippant demeanor, “his grandfather had made a dress for the royal family.”

Hearing this, | was taken aback. | knew | was here to get fitted for clothes, but | had no idea this tailor had such an impressive background.

“Is this the lady you mentioned with stunning beauty?” Louis said with gravity, sizing me up, “Mr. Temple, you have quite the eye.”

Curious, | glanced at Timothy, who scratched his head awkwardly and hastened, “Let's cut the chit-chat, please. Whip up a matching dress ensemble for her, you know, the one that goes with my suit.”

Louis nodded, “Consider it done.”

Choosing the color, the pattern, the buttons for the dress, and the matching women’s leather shoes, the whole process took over an hour.

“Come back tomorrow to pick it up,” Louis instructed patiently as we were leaving. “This time I’m cutting in line for you because of your grandma, there won't be a next time.”

That was when | realized the opportunity to get this tailored outfit was a favor Timothy had secured for me. My feelings were mixed.

At the street corner, Timothy suddenly stopped me and pointed at a stall with women’s slip-ons, asking, “Xaviera, which color do you

like?”

| was baffled, “Why are you asking this all of a sudden?”

Timothy glanced at my ankle and said, “I noticed your sprain hasn't fully healed when you were trying on the shoes earlier. You’re not working right now, so why not switch to something more comfortable?”

After he finished speaking, he squatted down, picked up a pair of grass—green slippers with a little red heart in the middle, and placed them by my feet, “Give these a try.”

The kid had a knack for being surprisingly thoughtful at times.

Indeed, wearing those pointy-toed heels with a low cut did tire out my feet. After Timothy’s suggestion, my feet suddenly felt as heavy as if they were filled with lead.

Five minutes later, Timothy and | were both wandering around Pinecrest Hollow’s commercial street in our cotton slippers, which, in his words, was pretty darn majestic.

But just as we were feeling pleased with ourselves, | suddenly caught sight of Hogan standing not too far away.

74 13:33

The alley wasn’t wide; the man stood against the light on the cobblestone road, his face half-shadowed, half-lit. The shifting

light and shadows sculpted the man’s hard contours and his fierce, frosty gaze.