Seduced by My Childhood Sweetheart’s Brother

Chapter 173

+15 BONUS

Matthew came to pick me up just after one in the afternoon on the day of the birthday banquet. He stood tall and handsome outside my apartment, saying he would take me to get styled.

He handed me a long, rectangular, flat box from the back seat and urged me to open it. “This is a dress I had custom–made for you. See if you like it. If not, we still have time to buy another one.”

“Can’t I wear my own clothes? Do I have to change into a formal dress?”

Upon opening the box, I saw a pure black dress with a hint of silvery pearl luster. The knee- length dress combined conservatism with liveliness in its design. The material and style matched perfectly, making it beautiful and valuable.

I didn’t care for luxury goods and wasn’t well–versed in them. But I could tell the value of the dress was significant, just from Matthew saying it was custom–made. It couldn’t be less than 30 or 40 grand.

His actions made me a bit uncomfortable.

He kept saying he just wanted me to go as his companion, with no other implications. It seemed like a spur–of–the–moment idea to bring me into his life.

But custom–making a dress wasn’t a day or two’s affair. This meant he had planned for me to accompany him well in advance, but he just didn’t tell me about it. It was because he was certain I would agree.

wasn’t sure if this was some kind of manipulation on his part, but it

need to. Today is a formal occasion. The guests are reputable politicians and businessmen. It’d be rude not to wear a formal dress. Oh, and the

for

change into the dress and shoes. After that, we can

dress box without speaking, wondering if it was

wasn’t scared. I just felt I’d be out of place at such an event. I couldn’t find a reason to look forward

+15 BONUS

be as simple as

clenched his jaw and didn’t say

stylist’s eyes lit up when he saw me. Despite being a man, Roger Thompson giggled flirtatiously, circling me twice and exclaiming exaggeratedly, “Matthew, I thought Ms. Lockwood was the best, but this lady is divine. Such a slender waist. Oh, and such tender skin. You’re a lucky

I stepped back and moved away from his cologne’s

like an item up

felt genuinely unpleasant to be disrespected

of Matthew’s many companions, no matter

you talking about, Roger? She’s my future girlfriend. We’re going

formal. It

my desire to skip the birthday banquet grew. I mulled over