Chapter 78: A Dress Like This Isn’t Meant For…

Downstairs, Natalie and Diana admired the wedding dresses displayed in the glimmering glass cases. Though each gown was pristine white, each possessed a unique charm, captivating all who beheld them. Diana, brimming with excitement, tugged Natalie toward a particular dress. "Natalie, look at this one! You'd be the picture-perfect bride in it!"

The dress, crafted from lustrous satin, featured a mermaid silhouette that elegantly followed the mannequin's form. A daring back cut added allure, balanced by a delicate bow cinched at the waist. Natalie's gaze lingered, her eyes shimmering with admiration. "It really is stunning," she murmured.

Next Saturday marked Everett's eightieth birthday, the day Natalie planned to announce her engagement to Warren. Wearing this dress would be a dream; she envisioned herself as the evening's radiant centerpiece.

"Redamancg's dresses are one of a kind, but they aren't for just anyone to wear!"

The sharp comment pierced the quiet awe, drawing Natalie and Diana's attention upward. Their eyes met Sienna's. She exuded a cool, imperious aura that commanded attention.

Natalie and Diana exchanged glances. Diana, unfamiliar with Sienna, displayed a mix of curiosity and apprehension. Natalie, having met Sienna once, didn't immediately recognize her. Behind Sienna stood Lena, her posture hesitant, seemingly caught between worlds. Natalie, offering a gentle smile, asked, "May I try on this dress?"

"You absolutely may not." Sienna leaned against the staircase, arms crossed. A faint smirk played on her red lips, but her eyes, sharp as shattered glass, swept over Natalie with disdain. "A dress like this isn't meant for someone like you."

Lena shifted uncomfortably, her expression flickering with unspoken apology. She seemed unsure of the situation but clearly sensed Sienna's hostility. Feeling sympathy for Natalie, Lena quietly slipped away.

Natalie's warm demeanor hardened into icy composure. "What exactly do you mean by that?"

Diana responded more sharply. "We're paying customers! We're not asking for charity. What gives you the right to refuse us?" she snapped, glaring at Sienna.

Sienna glanced at her freshly manicured nails, her tone nonchalant. "I own this boutique. My store, my rules. And, unfortunately for you, seeing the two of you has put me in a foul mood."

"You're just looking for trouble!" Diana retorted, her voice rising.

Sienna's smile widened, a smug glint in her eyes. "Yes, I am. And what are you going to do about it?"

Indignation washed over Natalie. She didn't understand the woman's animosity, but she couldn't simply walk away from the dress. Taking a deep breath, Natalie spoke calmly. "I'm getting engaged next Saturday. This dress would mean a great deal to me. I'm willing to pay any price."

Sienna's eyes darkened, her smile hardening. It was as if she savored some private vindication. With a derisive snort, she retorted, "Redamancg stands for blessing unions built on love, not ones tainted with betrayal. Letting you wear this dress would tarnish my store's name."

The word "betrayal" landed like a slap. Natalie flinched, her composure cracking under the accusation. Sienna's words left no room for doubt—this was not a misunderstanding.

As Sienna turned to leave, Natalie's voice, laced with fury and humiliation, rang out. "Miss, I've done nothing to provoke you. I came here sincerely, intending to buy a dress. Your humiliation is excessive."