In less time than it took to blink, Matthew swiftly intervened, separating Niki from Ste.


    Casting an irritated re in Matthew’s direction, Niki straightened his cor and questioned, “Matthew, what’s gotten into you?”


    With a stern countenance, Matthew held Ste close and warned, “Don’ty a hand on my wife.


    ”


    Niki couldn’t resist a yful jab.


    Last time, you called her just a subordinate.


    Now, she’s your wife?”


    As he beheld Matthew’s helpless expression, Niki couldn’t help but revel in his small victory.


    Sensing the tension, Ste gently tugged at Matthew’s sleeve in an effort to defuse the atmosphere.


    “Are we here to try on wedding dresses, Matthew?”


    ‘s BunnyBookery


    Matthew shifted his gaze from Niki to Ste, his expression softening.


    “Niki and I have designed a wedding dress for you.


    Why don’t you give it a try?”


    Matthew had just finished speaking when Niki astutely sent someone to retrieve the wedding dress.


    The dress, a vision of elegance, adorned a mannequin.


    Its white hemline cascaded to the floor, embellished withces and hand-stitched pearls.


    Sunlight bathed the dress, making it shimmer radiantly, enhancing its grace.


    Ste caught sight of it and was instantly transported in her mind.


    She envisioned herself in the dress, a long veil draping over her head, with Matthew tenderly lifting it to gaze into her eyes.


    “Do you like it?” Matthew asked, his smile warming the room.


    Ste, jolted back to reality, looked up at him.


    Her eyes, wide and tear-filled, conveyed her surprise and deep emotion.


    She found herself lost for words.


    Ste had an epiphany.N?velDrama.Org content.


    She recalled the nights Matthew returnedte or disappeared into his study.


    She had assumed he was buried in work, but now she realized he might have been secretly designing this wedding dress.


    “Matthew…”” she began, her voice trailing off.


    She feared that saying more would bring her to tears.


    “Don’t be so moved,” Matthew said gentl , his smileforting.


    “Try it on first.


    What if you don’t like it?”


    “I like it,” Ste dered, her gaze fixed on him.


    “I like everything you design.


    ”


    With a yful smile, Matthew pinched her cheek and whispered, “If you keep staring at me, you’ll never get to try on the dress today.


    ”


    Ste caught his hint and, stepping back, said, “I’m going to try it on right now.


    ”