She Was the Treasure All Along novel Chapter 1014

"Has he never done this before?" Helena asked, genuinely curious.

"Never," the artist replied with a knowing smile. "At least not at our boutique. You're the first woman he's ever personally arranged a fitting for."

Helena lowered her gaze, a soft smile playing on her lips.

She had assumed it would take him a while to get across the city, but barely ten minutes had passed before Morris walked through the door.

He had wrapped up his work early just to come straight here. He was wearing a deep espresso suit, and the wind had slightly tousled his dark hair, but nothing could diminish his striking presence.

Lisa stepped forward to greet him, but he simply gave a brief nod, his eyes already locked on the partially open door of the VIP suite.

When he pushed the door wide, Helena was standing in front of the floor-to-ceiling mirror.

Hearing the sound, she turned around.

Morris stopped dead in his tracks.

He stood in the doorway, his hand still resting on the brass handle, looking as if he had completely forgotten how to breathe.

His dark eyes drifted slowly over her face, taking in the luminous clarity of her eyes, the elegant arch of her brows, and the soft, dusty-rose shade of her lips.

His Adam's apple bobbed.

Helena didn't miss the subtle reaction.

"So?" she asked, turning fully to face him and offering a playful spin. "Does it pass the test?"

Despite her casual tone, her heart was racing.

Morris didn't answer immediately.

He let go of the door handle and closed the distance between them, stopping just inches away.

His intense, unwavering gaze made her suddenly shy. She tilted her head slightly, avoiding eye contact. "What? Is it too much?"

"It means," Morris said, lifting his hand. His cool fingertips lightly brushed against her earlobe, right where Lisa had secured the delicate pearl earring. "You were already breathtaking. These things just give the rest of the world a chance to see it."

His touch carried the crisp chill of the winter air outside, but the contrast against her warm skin sent a shiver straight down her spine.

Sensing the shift in the room, Lisa quietly slipped out, gently clicking the door shut behind her.

They were entirely alone.

Helena took a deep breath, tilting her head up to meet his gaze.

She thought about the absurd things Swain had said to her earlier. She thought about his condescending "for your own good" speech, and the sheer arrogance in his voice when he accused her of throwing her life away.

She was done playing it safe. The life she wanted was standing right in front of her. Why shouldn't she grab it?

"Morris," she murmured, her voice soft but resolute. "Are you free today?"

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