Episode 19

"I don't believe it," Anne says excitedly after I tell her that Adrian had invited me to the festival. "Are you excited?" she asks, and I nod.

"Yes.... Especially since it's the first time I'll be at a festival...." I say.

"So, what are you going to wear?" She asks.

"I don't know.... Is there a specific outfit you need to wear?" I ask.

"There is, a very pretty one," she says with a slight laugh. "But as for that... well, come with me."

She says, and I follow her up to her sewing room.

When we get there, I see the dress on the mannequin, already finished... and it was simply beautiful....

The dress displayed a vibrant floral pattern, with flowers in shades of pink, blue, and yellow dancing gently across the fabric. The flowing, wide skirt gave it a romantic air, while the short sleeves featured soft ruffles, adding a touch of femininity. It was an enchanting piece....

If the season could be described with a piece of clothing, this would be the perfect one.

"What do you think?" she asks.

"It's beautiful... You're going to look beautiful in it." I reply.

"And who said this dress is for me?" She says, making me turn to her, only to see her suggestive smile.

"No...."

"Yes, that's exactly what you're thinking... This is your dress.... Mine has been ready for decades. Perks of having a lot of free time." She jokes.

"Anne, I can't wear this... It's too beautiful." I say, my voice reflecting my surprise and emotion.

Anne smiles kindly, placing a comforting hand on my shoulder.

"Of course you can, dear. I made this dress especially for you. I want you to feel beautiful and confident at the festival," she replies warmly.

Unable to contain myself, I turn and hug her.

"Anne, I don't even know how to thank you for this. This dress is amazing!" I murmur, my voice slightly choked with emotion.

Anne smiles, seeming pleased with my reaction.

"I'm glad you like it. Now, let's make a few final adjustments to make sure it fits you perfectly," she says, picking up some needles.

She helps me put it on...

The dress practically needs no adjustments...

It's literally made for me....

On the day of the festival, I take a shower and get ready...

I go to the nightstand and pick up a lipstick Anne had given me...

I had never worn makeup in my life, so it's completely new to me, but I was willing to try.

It was a lipstick almost the same color as my lips, a very delicate light pink...

I hear a few knocks on the door.

"Ayla, I'll be waiting for you in the living room..." I hear Adrian say from the other side of the door.

"Okay, I'm coming..." I say.

I look at myself in the mirror, putting on the finishing touches, and then put on the shoes Anne had lent me....

They were pumps with block heels...

They weren't very high... they were a little higher than the heel of my boots, but somehow they were very comfortable...

I descend the stairs with contained anxiety, nervousness mixed with a slight excitement.

When I reach the living room, I see Adrian standing there, waiting for me.

"So what do you think?" I ask.

Adrian turns to face me, his eyes sweeping over me from head to toe. For a moment, he seems lost for words.

"Anne made the dress." I give a quick twirl to show off the dress.

"Anne really is talented," he comments, his eyes still fixed on me. "But you're the one who makes the dress truly shine."

His compliment leaves me speechless for a moment, my heart beating a little faster.

"Thank you...", I murmur, a shy smile forming on my lips. It's strange to be so exposed like this, but at the same time, it's comforting to know that he sees me that way. "Shall we go?"

He nods and then we leave the house...

As we walk down the street towards the festival, a comfortable silence settles between us. From time to time, our eyes meet, exchanging small smiles...

Upon arriving at the festival, my eyes widened in wonder at the spectacle before me. Colorful stalls lined up in rows, displaying a tempting variety of food and drinks. Bright lights decorated the entire space, casting a welcoming glow over the place.

The aroma of fresh, delicious food hung in the air, inviting me to explore every corner of the festival. Lively music played in the background, filling the atmosphere with a vibrant and festive air. It was a magical setting, full of energy and fun, and I couldn't wait to immerse myself in this unique experience.

"Wow, it's so beautiful here! It's all so lively and colorful! Look at all these food and drink stalls, the hanging lights... It's all so enchanting." I say, amazed.

"Yes, the festival is always a special event in the village. Do you have any preferences? Perhaps you'd like to try some food or play some games?" He asks, and I shake my head.

"I don't know where to start..."

"Can I suggest something?" He asks.

"Uh-huh, if you could guide me..."

"Sure, let's explore together then. Let's see what the festival has to offer..."

Adrian guides me to our first stop.

As we approach, we're greeted by the attendant with a warm smile.

"Ah, the future Hayes couple! It's so good to have you here." He says.

I had even forgotten about that...

Adrian smiles in response to the greeting while I feel a little awkward at the reference to our fictitious relationship.

However, the attendant's hospitality puts us at ease.

Adrian places our order, and soon we're sitting at a makeshift table, savoring the festival delicacies.

As we eat, the atmosphere around us is lively, with laughter and conversation filling the air. The live music adds a festive soundtrack to our experience.

Adrian looks at me with a gentle smile.

"What do you think of the food, Ayla?" he asks, his voice full of genuine curiosity.

"Amazing!"

"Save room, this is just the first stop." He says, making me chuckle.

We walk from stall to stall, exploring the different offerings of the festival.

We try a variety of dishes, from local snacks to delicious desserts. At each stop, we're greeted with warm greetings and smiles from the vendors, who enthusiastically share their specialties.

The mood between us begins to subtly shift as the night progresses.

As we walk, Adrian and I enjoy our time together, sharing laughter and casual conversation. Our shoulders brush occasionally, and each touch seems to carry a silent electricity.

Adrian picks up a plate from one of the stalls and returns with something that looks delicious. He looks at me with a mischievous smile.

"Have you ever tried this before?"

I shake my head, curious.

"No, I've never eaten that."

He takes a spoonful of the delicacy and holds it out towards me.

"Try it, it's amazing."

I look at the spoon with a mixture of hesitation and anticipation, but finally, I open my mouth, allowing him to feed me. The flavor explodes on my tongue, a mixture of exotic tastes that surprises me.

"Wow," I murmur after swallowing. "That's really good."

Before I can fully process the experience, I feel his finger gently touch the corner of my mouth.

My eyes widen and I look at him, a sudden heat rising up my neck.

"You have a little bit of food here," he says, his voice soft and casual.

My cheeks burn, a wave of embarrassment washing over me.

"Oh, thank you," I murmur, trying to stay calm as he gently wipes the corner of my mouth.

Adrian seems more relaxed, his smile more genuine, and I find myself admiring his dark eyes in the light of the festival lanterns. There's a softness in his gaze that I've never noticed before, something that makes me feel comfortable and safe by his side.

"I don't think I've ever eaten so many delicious things in one day," I comment.

Adrian laughs, agreeing.

"It's true, the variety of flavors they have here is incredible. And how about you, are you having fun?"

I nod with a smile.

"Yes, it's all very fun. Thank you for inviting me, Adrian."

He nods, seeming pleased.

"I'm glad you're enjoying it..."

Before we could talk any further, Anne and Zade approach us with beaming smiles, their expressions full of enthusiasm as they join us at the festival.

Their mischievous looks don't go unnoticed, and I brace myself for what's to come.

"Look at you two, what a lovely couple!" Anne exclaims, her playful tone echoing through the air.

"I've been hearing that all night," I reply with a light laugh.

"But it's true! You look great together," Zade says.

"Yes... and I think as a couple, you should be holding hands, don't you think?" Anne says with a mischievous smile, making my eyes widen.

Zade laughs, patting Adrian on the shoulder.

"Come on, Adrian, don't be so serious!"

I glance at Adrian, noticing the tension in his shoulders.

Adrian seems reluctant, but at the same time amused by the situation. He looks at me briefly, as if seeking an indication of what to do, and I just avert my gaze in embarrassment...

When I feel his fingers touch mine, I end up getting startled and involuntarily recoil, and I feel instantly embarrassed by my reaction.

The tension hangs in the air for a moment, an awkward silence that seems to last an eternity.

"Oh, look, that stall over there looks interesting!" I point to a nearby stall, trying to shift the focus from the awkward situation.

I just walk over there without waiting for them, actually wanting to hide under the stall...

Anne, Zade, and Adrian arrive at the stall, and soon the two of them start talking about which dishes they were going to try...

Adrian approaches me discreetly, his voice low amidst the bustle of the festival.

"I'm sorry if I seemed too insistent back there," he murmurs, his eyes showing a mixture of concern and sincerity.

"You don't need to apologize, Adrian. You didn't do anything wrong." I murmur awkwardly.

He seems relieved by my response, but there's still a shadow of doubt in his eyes.

"Then why did you pull away? I didn't want you to feel uncomfortable with me..."

I sigh, trying to find the right words to explain.

"It's nothing like that, Adrian. It's just..."

I've been avoiding touching him so much.

After that night, when he held my hand, I knew there was something, but given the situation I hated it and would deny it to the death if things continued the way they were....

But now....

***This work has been signed with NovelToon, and piracy such as reprinting without permission is strictly prohibited.***

***Download NovelToon to enjoy a better reading experience!***