It wasn't just a dress anymore—it was a statement, an unspoken war between my pride and my gratitude.
I clutched the package tightly, my emotions churning inside me. It was beautiful, and I should have been happy to have it, but it felt like a chain.
How could I wear something this expensive—something paid for so effortlessly by a man I didn't even know—just for one night?
It didn't sit right with me. It felt… excessive. Undeserved.
Niklaus's voice cut through my thoughts. "Come on, let me drop you off if you're done here," he said casually, as if this was something normal.
I blinked, his words taking a second to register. "I need to get a dress," I said suddenly, my voice steady, but the declaration sent a shockwave through the room.
I blinked, his words taking a second to register. "I need to get a dress," I said suddenly, my voice steady, but the declaration sent a shockwave through the room.
Niklaus frowned slightly. "Oh. Okay?"
