A Dress That Cost A Fortune 2

Vivian stood up gently from where she sat and moved toward Anna, even though her face looked nonchalant the aura she radiates is choking for all in the room most especially Isla.

Vivian's fingers brushed over the delicate embroidery of the gown, her touch featherlight but deliberate. Isla flinched.

The silence in the room was suffocating.

Vivian's fingers traced the delicate embroidery of the gown, her eyes widening as she took in every exquisite detail. She had almost forgotten about this, the legendary dress that had once caused an uproar in high society. In the original novel, it had been rumored that her brother had sent her a dress of unparalleled beauty, along with a set of jewelry and accessories so extravagant that their price was nothing short of outrageous. The mere existence of such a lavish gift had thrown the nobility into chaos, stirring envy, admiration, and endless speculation.

And yet, in the original novel, the original of this body had never once worn it. The dress had remained locked away, untouched until her death.

The dress was on Isla's body, draping over her frame like it had been meant for someone else, because it had been. And now, as Vivian stood before her, tracing the intricate beadwork, running her fingers along the luxurious fabric, Isla could do nothing but stand there, frozen, her breath shallow.

The memory of how the rumor had spread came rushing back to her. Isla, the female protagonist of the original novel, had first heard about it at a tea party hosted by the influential Marchioness, a woman whose gatherings were known for setting the tone of noble society. It was common knowledge that the fastest way for rumors to spread among the upper class was through their maids. No matter how much they were warned to keep their masters' affairs private, gossip was an irresistible temptation. Servants of noble households often maintained friendships with their peers in other mansions, eagerly trading secrets and scandals.

With such a spectacular and expensive gift, it hadn't taken long for the news to spread like wildfire. No one doubted the rumor's truth, not when it came to the Lomalot family. They were one of the wealthiest and most powerful noble houses in the empire, known for their extravagant displays of affection toward their beloved princess. Vivian had always been cherished, and so the idea that her brother would spare no expense for her was entirely believable.

The reaction from noble society had been swift.

Many young noble ladies, especially those who had debuted in the same year as Isla, had seized the opportunity to mock her. They had already resented the attention Isla received during her debut, particularly after the infamous incident at Vivian's birthday celebration in the original novel. The comparison was unavoidable, how could someone like Isla, whose family was drowning in debt, ever hope to compete with someone like Vivian, who was showered with luxury without a second thought?

Of course, in the original timeline, Isla had only been able to attend high-ranking noble gatherings because of the Marquis she had nearly married, a man whose downfall had later been orchestrated by the male lead. Additionally, her brother's potential as a rising powerful figure in the world of mages had made her somewhat tolerable in noble circles. At that time, she had been the most talked-about woman in high society, making her presence at events somewhat acceptable. But had it not been for those factors, the nobility would never have accepted someone like her.

The tea party had ended in humiliation for Isla. Unable to endure the mocking laughter and condescending whispers, she had retreated to the garden, her steps quick, her hands clenched. She had refused to cry in front of the others, she was too proud for that, but alone in the quiet of the garden, silent tears had slipped down her face.

And that was where she had met Damian, the second male lead and Captain of the White Knight Order. Their encounter had been unexpected but significant. Damian, despite his strict and upright nature, according to the novel had a way of seeing through people, and he had understood Isla's pain. In an effort to cheer her up, he had commissioned a dress for her from Caelithra.

Their conversation had been an intriguing one, and in an effort to lift her spirits, Damian had ordered a dress for her from Caelithra, crafted by one of their most skilled dressmakers. While the gown was not as magnificent as the one originally gifted to Vivian, the rarity of obtaining a Caelithra dress, especially from a top-tier artisan, had stunned the noble ladies. When Isla appeared at her next tea party wearing the exquisite gown, it had sparked jealousy and resentment among the noblewomen.

But now, standing before the original dress, the one that had caused all this chaos, Vivian could finally see what had been missing from that moment in the novel.

In the original novel, this dress had never been worn by its rightful owner. It had been locked away, never to see the light of day before Vivian's untimely demise.

But here it was. On Isla.

Vivian's touch lingered on the bodice, her fingers tracing the perfectly placed gemstones. Isla's entire body tensed. She didn't dare move, didn't even dare breathe too loudly.

Vivian was examining the dress carefully now. And with each second that passed, her expression darkened.

The dress had never truly suited Isla.

At the time, it had been so dazzling that no one had noticed the subtle mismatch. But now, with it in front of her at the moment, Vivian saw it clearly.

The difference in their physiques was too great. Vivian was taller by nearly a head, with a fuller figure, more curves, and a well-defined bust. Isla, in contrast, was petite and slender, with a frame that lacked the presence to fully carry the grandeur of the gown. It had been beautiful on her, yes, but not quite right. It had never been meant for her.

Realizing this, Vivian felt her anger simmer. The female protagonist of the original novel had worn something that rightfully belonged to her, something she herself had never even had the chance to put on.

She despised the thought of others using her belongings. It wasn't just a dress. It was a heartfelt gift from her brother, one that had been meant for her and her alone. No matter how much time had passed, no matter how the story had played out in the original timeline, she could not ignore this.

Throwing it away was out of the question. Not only was it far too valuable, but it was a symbol of her brother's love.

No. Isla had taken something that wasn't hers, and she would have to face the consequences.

The fear in Isla's gaze was unmistakable.

She had seen the way Vivian's expression had shifted. Had seen the way her fingers lingered over the fabric, as if reclaiming what was hers with touch alone. Isla swallowed hard, her hands gripping the sides of the gown as if that could somehow shield her from the consequences. 

Vivian thought to herself 

Her lady-in-waiting, Anna, had been right. Isla couldn't be allowed to walk away from this unscathed.

This time, things would be different.

Vivian took another step closer, watching as Isla flinched once more.

A slow smile curled on her lips.

This would not go unpunished.

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That's enough as a gift 🥹🤲