When Love Comes Late by PASSION

The onlookers dispersed, wary of incurring her wrath.

As Elizabeth emerged in her new attire, the shop returned to its usual state of order.

Tanya gazed at her in awe, unable to contain her admiration.

“You look absolutely stunning.

You’re like a celestial being descended from heaven.

Who wouldn’t be captivated by you? I’m even falling for you.

”

She sang Elizabeth’s praises exaggeratedly, mixing flattery with sincerity.

Examining herself in the mirror, Elizabeth couldn’t deny that the dress fit her perfectly.

Yet…

A shadow crossed her face as she muttered, partly to herself and partly to Tanya, “You say I’m stunning, but why does Matthew never seem to notice me?”

Her tone carried a touch of confusion and paranoia.

Tanya felt a chill run down her spine, wondering if Elizabeth had caught onto her exaggerated flattery.

Tanya, feeling a twinge of fear, took a moment to compose herself before speaking up.

“Men are all the same.

appreciate beautiful women; they prefer those who

seen some old

men’s instinct

were outmatched by

at feigning

”

stealing a glance at Elizabeth,

her brow, still pondering

mean by ‘pretending to

guard by her question, and then hesitantly clarified, “Stella is

women who seem pitiable and non-confrontational, much like

Matthew is infatuated with

”

Elizabeth wouldn’t press further, as she

remained silent, her mind

moment of contemplation, Tanya tentatively suggested, “Why don’t you consider buying

whirled around, her expression

imitate Stella? Why would I

her being, and the suggestion to imitate her felt like

Tanya hastily clarified, “No, that’s not what

that Matthew is drawn

you want to win his affection,

”

gathered her courage to continue, “Moreover, I believe Matthew’s attraction to Stella is largely superficial, based on her

advantage of resembling her, but