I Have Time On My Side!

Emily found herself in an elegant clothing store, surrounded by quality fabrics she had never imagined touching, let alone wearing. 

Several pairs of expert hands moved around her, taking her measurements with a precision that overwhelmed her. 

The young women attending to her communicated softly among themselves, making comments about her proportions and which styles would suit her best. 

Meanwhile, Emily felt trapped in a nightmare, especially when one of the girls mentioned aloud that the dress would be custom-made. 

'Custom-made?' Emily thought, feeling her breath catch in disbelief. 'This must cost a fortune!' 

Panic washed over her as she remembered how hard it was to earn the little money that barely got her by at her grandparents' bakery. 

Not even in her wildest dreams could she have imagined buying something so expensive. 

She was about to tell Nolan to stop, that there was no need for such luxury, when one of the girls turned to him with respect and diligence. 

"We'll have it ready as soon as possible," she said as Nolan handed her a piece of paper with an address. 

Emily swallowed hard, barely able to contain herself. 

She wanted to scream for them to stop, to halt the process. But before she could open her mouth, Nolan turned to her with a calm smile. 

"And which of the dresses in the store do you like?" Nolan asked, as if it were the most normal question in the world. 

Emily looked down and murmured softly. 

"The cheapest one will be fine..." 

Nolan let out a light laugh, with no trace of mockery, but confident enough to make Emily blush even more. 

"Don't be shy about choosing," Nolan said casually. 

Emily's eyes timidly scanned the store, searching for something that wouldn't stand out too much. 

But, unintentionally, her gaze landed on a particular dress. 

At first glance, it was a simple dress, but with delicate details that made it stand out. The skirt flowed softly in layers made of a material that seemed light as air, in a soft green color, almost the shade of her eyes. 

The bodice was fitted, with golden embroidery that added a touch of understated nobility. It had no excessive adornments, but there was something in its subtle elegance that drew Emily in. 

It was perfect for someone who didn't want to stand out too much but still radiated refined beauty. 

However, when she saw the price, terror washed over her. 

'This is… unattainable,' she thought quickly, averting her gaze. 

But it was too late. 

Nolan had noticed her reaction and, without hesitation, gave the order. 

"Get it ready," Nolan said, pointing to the dress Emily had been admiring. 

Emily tried to protest. 

"Wait... let me try it on first," she insisted, fearing that if she didn't, the dress might not be right, and that would only make things more expensive. 

Nolan raised an eyebrow, puzzled by her insistence, but nodded. 

"Alright." 

After several seconds that felt like an eternity to Emily, she stepped out of the fitting room wearing the dress. 

She walked toward one of the mirrors, and upon seeing her reflection, she could hardly believe what she saw. 

The dress fit her like a glove, subtly yet elegantly enhancing her figure. 

Her green eyes sparkled more brightly, complemented by the dress's color, and her soft features seemed to stand out even more. 

'I look like a noblewoman...' Emily thought in surprise. 

Nolan, upon seeing her come out, was momentarily speechless. 

The dress looked stunning on her, highlighting Emily's natural beauty in a way he had never seen before. 

Even she, who was always so reserved, seemed to admire her reflection in the mirror. 

"Is it alright?" Emily asked, still nervous, as her eyes continued to scan her reflection. 

Nolan wasted no time and was already speaking with the shop attendant. 

"We'll take this one, and also prepare another additional one," he said, pointing to another dress without consulting her. 

"No need!" Emily exclaimed, her voice rising slightly more than she intended, her nervousness transforming into a mix of embarrassment and concern. 

But Nolan simply smiled, not paying attention to her protests. 

Once the arrangements were ready, they both left the store. 

Emily, still stunned by what had just happened, now looked like a lady of nobility, a transformation so radical that she could hardly recognize herself. 

As they walked, Emily couldn't help but bite her lip. 

"Is this what I'll have to wear to work with you?" she asked incredulously. 

Nolan nodded, not fully understanding her concern. 

"Yes, but if you need more clothes, we can go buy more later." 

Emily shook her head quickly, still overwhelmed. 

"No, no, this is fine..." 

But her mind couldn't stop thinking about how ridiculous it would be to wear something so expensive for any work, let alone one that could get dirty. 

"Maybe... going to another cheaper store to buy something simple wouldn't be a bad idea," she murmured under her breath, hoping Nolan wouldn't hear her. 

Just then, they both entered the church, which was so majestic that Emily felt even more out of place. 

The high ceilings, the gold and marble decorations—everything seemed designed to impress... 

Emily swallowed hard, feeling small once again. 

One of the healers present recognized Nolan immediately and greeted him with respect. 

"It's a pleasure to see you again, Mr. Nolan," she said, bowing courteously. 

Then, noticing Emily beside him, she offered the same greeting. 

"And to you as well, miss." 

Emily tried to return the greeting, but before she could respond, the healer continued. 

"Did you come to continue your treatment?" 

Nolan nodded calmly. 

"Yes." 

Emily, watching the scene, swallowed hard again.