THE GENERAL'S DISGRACED HEIR

The owner quickly composed himself, his initial surprise giving way to a softened expression as he grasped the true nature of David's request. "Certainly, my lord," he replied, his voice now laced with a newfound respect. "I believe we have just the person to assist you."

With a graceful gesture, he beckoned for them to follow, leading them toward a more exclusive section of the store. As they walked, the owner's thoughts wandered. It was common for noblemen to bring mistresses to such establishments, but rarely did one openly present a maid. Typically, such relationships were shrouded in secrecy, hidden from prying eyes due to the social stigma. Yet, David and Vivan were unlike any pair he had encountered before.

As they ventured deeper into the store, Vivan's cheeks grew warm, disbelief mingling with a blossoming sense of joy. The realization that David—a noble of considerable standing—wanted to see her adorned in the finest garments Noble Wear had to offer filled her heart with a swelling emotion she could scarcely contain. Could this truly be what she thought it was?

Memories of conversations with fellow maids surfaced in her mind. They had often spoken with delight about their partners taking them out to buy new clothes, declaring such outings as 'dates.' The thought struck her like a bolt of lightning—could it be that she and the young master were on a date?

The deeper this thought took root, the more a warm, comforting feeling spread through her. It was a sensation she welcomed wholeheartedly, her heart fluttering with the tender possibility that this moment was something more than she had ever dared to dream.

Upon reaching their destination, the owner paused before a woman who was meticulously arranging a collection of high-end garments on a nearby rack. She was the epitome of elegance, draped in a deep navy ensemble that perfectly balanced sophistication with a hint of playful flair. Her attire was a masterpiece of detail: voluminous sleeves tapered into delicate lace cuffs, lending an air of mystery and refinement. A striking white capelet graced her shoulders, its edges embroidered with intricate patterns that echoed the designs on her elegantly flared trousers.

A large, dramatic bow cinched her waist, the ends of the ribbon cascading down her back in a flowing waterfall of fabric that swayed gracefully with her every movement, imbuing her with an almost ethereal grace. Her dark, wavy hair was styled in a neat bob, framing a face that radiated both gentleness and quiet strength.

"Ahem," the owner cleared his throat, capturing her attention. "My lord, may I introduce Tatiana," he said, his tone respectful. Tatiana turned her attention to them, her eyes briefly widening as she took in the presence of the nobleman before her. She offered a graceful curtsy, accustomed to the steady stream of aristocrats who frequented the store.

"It is a pleasure to meet you, my lord," Tatiana greeted David, her gaze lingering on his striking features.

Who is this handsome gentleman?

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she wondered, impressed by his refined appearance. David acknowledged her greeting with a polite nod.

Tatiana couldn't help but feel a flicker of curiosity as she noticed they were in the women's section. However, the owner quickly addressed her unspoken question. "Please assist the lord's…companion in finding something suitable to wear," he explained, catching himself before he could refer to Vivan as a maid.

Tatiana's eyes widened in surprise. From Vivan's simple uniform, it was obvious she was a maid, yet here she was, being referred to as the companion of a nobleman. David, noticing Tatiana's momentary hesitation, felt a slight irritation rise within him. His voice took on a darker edge as he asked, "Is there a problem?"

Sensing the shift in his tone, Tatiana quickly collected herself, shaking her head in reassurance. "Not at all, my lord," she replied, her voice steady as she took Vivan's hand with a reassuring smile. "Give me just a moment."

With that, Tatiana gently led Vivan away, guiding her deeper into the store to explore the finest selections. The owner, sensing David's need for privacy, directed him to a plush, dark sofa situated in a quiet corner. With a polite bow, he excused himself, leaving David alone to wait, his thoughts wandering as he anticipated Vivan's transformation.

Vivan was led back to David after a short while, adorned in a luxurious gown that shimmered with a thousand tiny jewels under the light. The fabric was a deep sapphire, almost as dark as the night sky, and it flowed around her in soft waves, pooling slightly at her feet. As beautiful as the dress was, David's brow furrowed the moment he saw her. Something about it didn't feel right. Vivan's expression was hesitant, her discomfort barely concealed as she stood before him.

David's eyes softened, recognizing her unease immediately. "This isn't the one," he said gently, shaking his head. The owner and Tatiana exchanged surprised glances, but David remained resolute. "It's too much. It stands out far too much."

The next dress Tatiana presented was equally stunning, with delicate embroidery and a sleek silhouette that clung to Vivan's form. But David noticed how stiffly she moved, how her shoulders seemed to hunch ever so slightly under the weight of the fabric. The dress was beautiful, but it didn't suit her—it didn't let her shine.

"No," David said, his tone firmer this time. "This isn't right either."

Tatiana hesitated, sensing David's growing frustration, but she quickly recovered, offering a third option with a hopeful smile. Vivan disappeared behind the curtain once more, and when she emerged, David's breath caught in his throat.

The dress she wore was a vision of ethereal beauty. It was crafted from the finest fabric, a delicate blend of white and soft blue that seemed to melt into one another like the early morning sky. The bodice was fitted with intricate, lace-like detailing that accentuated her vloptious frame, while the skirt flowed outward in gentle layers, each one edged with fine embroidery that mimicked snowflakes.

The sleeves were sheer, billowing slightly before tapering at the wrists, adding an air of graceful sophistication. The high collar framed Vivan's face perfectly, making her look both regal and approachable.

Vivan's crimson hair fell in soft waves around her shoulders, the rich colour contrasting beautifully with the pale hues of the dress. She looked both elegant and otherworldly, as if she had stepped straight out of a fairy tale.

David's heart skipped a beat. He had always known Vivan was beautiful, but seeing her like this, dressed in something that highlighted her every feature, left him utterly speechless. The room seemed to fade away, leaving only her in his vision.

"You look… breathtaking," David finally managed to say, his voice filled with genuine admiration. His eyes softened as they met hers, and a small smile tugged at the corners of his mouth. "This is perfect. You're perfect."

Vivan blushed deeply, her eyes shimmering with emotion. The uncertainty she had felt before melted away under David's gaze, replaced by a warmth that spread through her chest.

Tatiana, sensing the moment, quietly stepped back, allowing the two of them to share this private, tender moment. David continued to admire Vivan, his heart swelling with pride and affection. This was the dress that captured everything he had wanted to see in her—a reflection of her grace, her beauty, and the undeniable connection that had grown between them.

After selecting several more dresses, each more exquisite than the last, Vivan tried to protest, her modesty getting the better of her, but David gently insisted. His determination was unwavering, and Vivan soon found herself with an armful of fine garments, each one carefully chosen by David himself.

With a smile of satisfaction, David paid the hefty sum, the owner observing their interaction with amusement, intrigued by the unusual bond between the noble and his maid. Tatiana, too, couldn't help but feel a twinge of jealousy, a nobleman accepting a maid so openly was something she had never witnessed before.

Once their shopping was complete, David and Vivan left Noble Wear, stepping back into the lively streets. The sun was high in the sky as they strolled through the bustling town, the air filled with the sounds of merchants calling out their wares and the chatter of passersby. They wandered aimlessly, enjoying each other's company until they stumbled upon a respectable little restaurant tucked away in a quiet corner.

The scent of freshly baked bread and roasted meats wafted through the air as they entered. The atmosphere was warm and inviting, with wooden tables set with simple yet elegant place settings. They chose a cozy table near a window, the sunlight streaming in, casting a golden hue over them as they sat down to enjoy a meal together.

As they ate, their conversation naturally flowed to the incident with Gareth. David spoke lightly of the matter, carefully omitting the darker details—that he had ended Gareth's life for daring to kidnap Vivan. Instead, they focused on the lighter moments, teasing each other as they ate. Vivan's laughter rang out, filling the small restaurant with a joyous sound that made David's heart swell. Each giggle, each smile she gave, brightened his day in a way he hadn't expected.

As their meal came to a close, David reached across the table, his hand seeking Vivan's. He grasped it gently, his sapphire eyes locking onto hers with a tender intensity. "Before we go back, is there any place you'd like us to visit together?" he asked, his voice tinged with mischief. "You still haven't answered my question, you know."

Vivan paused, taking a moment to consider his words. She knew it was time to lay her feelings bare, to let David see the depth of her emotions. With a determined nod, she gripped his hand a little tighter, her heart pounding in her chest. Without a word, she rose from her seat, leading David out of the restaurant and toward the outskirts of town.

The sun dipped lower in the sky, casting long shadows as they walked hand in hand. Vivan's heart raced with anticipation, knowing that whatever happened next, it would change the nature of their relationship forever. And as they ventured further, the quiet resolve in her steps spoke volumes—this was the moment she would finally reveal the feelings she had tried to ignore.