The Returning EX (John and Sophia) novel Chapter 144

The custom-made evening gown John ordered for Sophia was ready in a few days, so he took her back to the house with a courtyard in the alley for a fitting. The designer was waiting for them, and he smiled as soon as he caught sight of Sophia. “I can already imagine how you’ll look in the evening gown.”

The evening gown was hung in a room inside, so the designer led Sophia in for a look. At first glance, Sophia was stunned. It was entirely different from the evening gown in the picture she showed the designer.

This was far more resplendent with a champagne-colored train, a deep V-neck, and a bare back. Furthermore, the waist was cinched to flaunt the wearer’s figure.

She looked at it for a long time yet didn’t make any move to try it on. This feels exactly the same as when I first laid eyes on my wedding gown back then. Mrs. Constance kept harping on how exorbitant the wedding dress was, making me feel unworthy of that luxurious dress, but from the look of things now, it’s just a matter of money. I now have money, too.

The designer flashed her a smile. “I’ll step out for a moment, so you try it on.”

Only when the room door clicked shut did Sophia take the gown down and slowly put it on. The measurements are just nice. There was a pair of champagne silver shoes beside the gown that was probably for her judging from the size. After putting them on, she then gazed at herself in the full-length mirror at the side. Sure enough, I look like an entirely different person.

Meanwhile, John and the designer sat on the chairs outside. The designer was still a tad puzzled. “Didn’t you use to hide this wife of yours away? Why the stark difference now? You’re no longer afraid of her being seen in public?”

John chuckled. “Nah, she was shy previously.”

The designer turned it over in his mind, vaguely aware that Sophia’s background wasn’t all that good. Back when John married Sophia, the wedding was so grand that Sophia’s background was later dug out and made public.

While many people weren’t optimistic about Sophia marrying above her station at that time, some claimed that it was true love. John, however, had never said a single word about the real situation, so these friends of his could only hazard their guesses.

Thus, Sophia might not have been shy previously, merely having not seen a lot of the world. After about a year now, she’s finally ready, so it’s time for her to show her face and meet the public. After a moment’s contemplation, the designer commented, “From her looks alone, this beautiful wife of yours is presentable.”

Remembering Sophia’s countenance, John murmured his assent. “Her looks are naturally fine.” He was actually surprised that such a stunning bloom could come from backwater circumstances.

After thinking for a while, the designer blurted, “Education and knowledge can be slowly nurtured in the future. I think she’s rather smart with a spark of intelligence in her eyes, so she isn’t a bumbling fool. You can actually…”

Before he’d finished speaking, Sophia pushed open the door and stepped out. She seemed a touch embarrassed, clutching the gown on both sides even as her expression betrayed her discomfiture.

The designer’s words trailed off, and John’s expression froze. Pursing her lips, Sophia looked at the two of them. “Does it not suit me?” Her voice was a mere whisper.

Getting to his feet, the designer laughed at once. “I just knew that such a style suits you. Come, come, let your husband take a look.” He glanced over his shoulder at John. “You’re lucky in having staked your bets on a true gem!”

After John got up, he walked over to Sophia. Sophia was truly feeling embarrassed. This feels the same as when I spotted him while wearing my wedding dress back then. John stared at her gown intently before nodding. “It’s quite good.”

His tone was nonchalant, but Sophia breathed easier. On second thought, this makes sense. He’s been in the business world for so many years, so he must have seen all kinds of women. A woman like me doesn’t even register with him.

The designer then turned around and called the man in monk robes over, saying that he wanted to ask him the kind of hairdo and makeup that suited her.

Sophia was taken aback. The man in monk robes is responsible for the hairdo and makeup? This is truly unexpected.

The man in monk robes was in the backyard, but he came over upon hearing his name being called. There was a dressing table at the side, so he led Sophia there, his expression stern despite the monk robes he was wearing. He stared at her reflection in the mirror for half a day before nodding.

“I know what will suit you.” Contrary to his monk-like dressing, his skills were truly impressive. Sophia, however, could only sense the clinking of the prayer beads hanging before his chest as he moved about, numb to everything else.

After an indeterminate time, the man in monk robes put down everything in his hands. “I’m done. Please stand so that we can all take a look.” He helped Sophia up, while John and the designer walked over. Without needing them to point it out, Sophia herself could sense that she seemed a different person now.