Chapter 34
Translator: RaidenTL
Chapter 34
It was only for a moment, but Vanessa clearly saw the sharp agitation in the proprietress’s eyes. Was it surprise, wariness, or perhaps jealousy?
The woman pressed her painted red lips together, but an instant later, a picture-perfect smile bloomed on her face. A mask of polite deference slipped over her features, her eyes emptying of all emotion.
"Welcome back, sir. I see you've brought a companion today."
Today. The implication was clear. River Ross had been here alone at least once before. Judging by how casually he accepted her remark, it wasn't a secret he cared to hide.
A faint trace of malice lingered in the sidelong glances the proprietress cast her way. Vanessa also noticed the sweet, hungry way the woman’s eyes devoured River Ross, as if he were a piece of candy.
"You ordered such elegant, beautiful clothes last time… What kind of attire are you looking for today?"
The proprietress glided closer to River with graceful, supple steps. Vanessa remained standing awkwardly by the doorway, observing them.
Even to another woman, she was undeniably attractive. She looked to be in her late twenties or early thirties. While not a classic beauty, she possessed an impeccable sense of style, a confident posture, and a direct gaze. In some ways, she seemed more aristocratic than actual nobles. Much like River Ross himself.
"Perhaps a crisp shirt to complement that handsome face of yours? Or a vest made of fine blue silk?"
The proprietress reached out, her fingertips hovering a hair's breadth from River's shoulder.
"I also have cufflinks set with the finest sapphires. I imported them from Athulie at a very high price. I simply had to have them the moment I saw them, because they are the exact shade of your beautiful eyes…"
Though she had been instantly sidelined, Vanessa watched them calmly. Beneath her quiet exterior, she was actually growing rather excited. The moment she saw River Ross standing in this shop, her writer’s block had shattered, her imagination erupting like a geyser.
"…"
Vanessa narrowed her eyes, drawing the two of them together in her mind. The "Navy" officer character, whom she had struggled to flesh out for days, finally began to take on a concrete shape.
An elegant libertine born into a poor commoner family, rising through the ranks on his own merit. Ambitious, willing to do anything for success, and never truly sincere with anyone. A man like that would feel both intrigued by and contemptuous of "Miss Welsh," who possessed nothing but her fierce sense of justice.
And if he needed clothes, he would seek out a place just like this. Perhaps his first encounter with Miss Welsh, who was investigating a case, had taken place in a shop like this one. How often would he have visited? What would he have ordered? A gentleman's suit for himself? A handkerchief for a lady? If it was a handkerchief, what kind of woman was it for…?
"Not to your liking either? You are exceptionally difficult to please today. Well, I also have hunting hats and belts made of the finest leather. Whatever you desire…"
Whatever you desire. As her imagination veered into pure delusion, Vanessa pictured River Ross buying women's undergarments. She imagined him, with that elegant and noble face, ordering a lady's garter belt and matching lingerie.
And then, in the most gentlemanly manner possible, asking if he might see her wearing them…
"Not for me."
Just before the proprietress's hand could brush against him, River turned and caught Vanessa by the shoulder, pulling her forward.
"I would appreciate it if you could show us something that suits this young lady."
Only then was Vanessa yanked from her deep reverie. The proprietress smiled, looking as though she had completely forgotten Vanessa was there—or perhaps she simply found Vanessa's dazed expression amusing. Her smug composure, however, did not last long.
River slid his hand down to lightly encircle Vanessa's waist before letting go. To an onlooker, it would have seemed a tender, protective gesture toward someone he cherished. To Vanessa, his touch carried a distinctly wicked intent.
"Look around as much as you like, Net."
The broad-shouldered man towered over her, leaning down until his voice was a low murmur. His breath brushed against her neck and ear, hot as a brand. It felt just like when he had taken her from behind, biting her earlobe, or when he had gripped and toyed with her breasts as they bounced with every thrust of his hips.
Suddenly, the memories of that afternoon came rushing back like a tidal wave.
"Ah… Ri… ver, ah…! It’s too… deep… Ah!"
Lifted off the ground by his strength alone, her body had trembled, suspended in the air. Forced to face the mirror with no way to look away, she had watched in shame as her entrance stretched to its absolute limit, gaping to swallow him whole.
"Ah, please, go sl-slowly… ah…!"
"Don't be so impatient, Net."
He wore the exact same smile now, his eyes holding the same look, conjuring that thick, sexually charged tension between them. He was doing this on purpose; it was obvious. Vanessa hung her head, her face burning a vivid crimson.
It was exasperating enough that he was using her to ward off the proprietress, but she was utterly mortified that a mere nickname could trigger such wanton memories in public.
"…Very well."
A dull thorn pricked through the proprietress's soft voice. Yet, her tone was different. The sharp hostility in her gaze—as if she were guarding her property from a thief—had strangely vanished.
Before Vanessa could fully register the odd shift, the proprietress grabbed her hand and spun her around.
"Now, if you'll excuse me."
Producing a measuring tape from somewhere, the woman began running it over Vanessa's body.
"Twenty, and two more… Good. Keep your arms raised just like that."
"Like this?"
"Yes, exactly. You have very straight posture. Your frame is so naturally delicate that overly tight fits or puffed embellishments wouldn't suit you—"
The proprietress, who had been muttering the measurements to herself, abruptly fell silent. Puzzled, Vanessa looked up.
"Is something the matter?"
"Hmm…"
"Is there a problem?"
"…No, it's nothing."
The proprietress quickly shook her head, the sudden turbulence in her eyes smoothing over. Still, for a fraction of a second, Vanessa caught the sharp, piercing glare the woman shot her way. Setting the measuring tape aside, the proprietress clapped her hands and spoke in an unnaturally sweet tone.
"As it happens, we have a few pieces in the shop that would suit you perfectly, miss. With just a few minor adjustments, they'll be ready to wear. In the meantime, sir, perhaps you could go upstairs with our head tailor to review your previous order? It is nearly complete…"
The moment the proprietress rang a small bell, a loud clatter echoed from above, and a man draped in measuring tapes practically tumbled down the stairs. He looked as though he hadn't slept in ten days, bowing repeatedly with bloodshot eyes.
"The day of reckoning has… Ah, no! This piece is a masterpiece, a work of art bearing my very name. With just a few minor adjustments to the sleeves and waistline, it will be practically finished. Though, to be perfectly honest, it does require just a tiny, tiny bit more time for true completion… Some very delicate, intricate work is still underway. It would go much smoother if you could offer your input."
Red indentations from a measuring tape were stamped across his cheek, suggesting he had been asleep moments ago. Yet, he rattled off his excuses so seamlessly that one had to wonder if he was naturally silver-tongued or had simply memorized the apology. River Ross let out a brief sigh at the theatrical display and turned to Vanessa.
"Will you be all right on your own for a moment?"
"Of course. Go on, don't worry about me."
His eyes narrowed knowingly, as if trying to sniff out whatever mischief she was hiding behind her confident facade. Vanessa widened her eyes even further, meeting his gaze head-on.
"All right, then."
With a soft chuckle, he raised a hand as if to ruffle her hair, but then let it drop.
"I'll be right back."
His words were reassuring, but his eyes still held a lingering suspicion—as if he expected her to wander off and adopt another stray duckling the moment he turned his back. Just as she was about to protest, the proprietress, having received some quiet instruction from River, smiled brightly and ushered Vanessa in the opposite direction.
"This way, sir, and if the young lady would follow me…"
Swept along into the depths of the shop, Vanessa found herself in a showroom packed with clothing racks. Delivery boys bustled in and out of a back door while a weary-looking young assistant attended to them, carefully packing garments into boxes.
"Take your time. Everything on this rack should fit you perfectly."
The proprietress tilted her chin up elegantly and stepped back, gesturing for Vanessa to browse at her leisure. A dazzling array of ready-to-wear blouses, skirts tailored to standard sizes, fashionable dresses, and colorful hats immediately caught her eye.
Vanessa stood overwhelmed by the display for a moment, her hand pressed to her lips. As she slowly lowered it, she finally remembered the worry she had completely forgotten.