CHAPTER 421: CHAPTER 421 BREATHTAKING

Meanwhile, outside the store, Bella took a deep breath and spun around to face Leo, hands on her hips like a tiny storm.

"Phew!" she said, her voice high and firm. "Leo, you can’t scare people like that. People make mistakes. You need to be more soft sometimes."

He blinked at her, completely unaffected. "Okay."

Bella squinted at him suspiciously. "Okay?"

"Okay," he repeated, his face perfectly expressionless.

She sighed in relief, patting his arm proudly. "Good. That’s better."

He nodded lightly, even though his eyes held that same quiet intensity that told her he would absolutely do it again if needed.

Leo softened his voice, touching the top of her head gently. "Let’s go buy a dress for you now, alright?"

Bella’s mood instantly brightened. She smiled so sweetly that Leo’s fingers twitched, wanting to pull her into his arms again.

"Okay!" she chirped.

And while Bella walked ahead, excitedly swinging the bag in her hands, Leo followed behind with his usual blank expression.

Meanwhile, Leo had already messaged Assistant Five even before stepping foot into the boutique. His instructions were simple but firm: clear the shop, only two customers today, him and his wife. Only professional staff should serve them. Bring out gowns that are beautiful, elegant, and mostly in Bella’s favorite colors.

By the time they arrived, the entire store looked as if it had been quietly transformed for them. Soft lights glowed over displays, mirrors shone clean, and racks of gowns shimmered like a fairy-tale garden. Everything looked luxurious and peaceful, as if waiting only for Bella to step inside.

"Wow! This shop has so many pretty gowns!" Bella said, her eyes sparkling like a child seeing fireworks for the first time. She walked a few steps forward, spinning slowly as she took in all the glitter and colors. Leo watched her silently, a small smile pulling at the corner of his lips. Her happiness always made him feel strangely full inside.

"Yes," he murmured, nodding as if the entire store existed solely for her joy.

A well-trained salesperson approached politely, bowing slightly, and began showing them a selection of gowns. Bella looked around with her usual curiosity, but suddenly her gaze froze in one direction.

Her steps slowed.

Her eyes softened.

She walked toward a gown hanging under a spotlight.

From far away, it looked pink, soft, delicate, almost dreamy. But when she reached closer, the fabric changed color under the light, becoming a pale beige with a gentle blush tone. The gown sparkled with tiny crystals like morning dew, and the embroidery ran across it in waves so stunning that Bella’s heart skipped a beat.

"Leo... how about this one?" she asked, pointing at it, her voice full of wonder.

Leo tilted his head, studying the way her eyes glowed more than the gown itself. "Maybe you should look more?" he suggested gently.

Bella nodded, trying to pretend she wasn’t in love with that dress already, but the way she kept glancing back at it made her feelings very obvious.

They looked at more gowns, hundreds of them, each beautiful in its own way. But none made Bella’s eyes soften the way that sparkling beige-pink one did.

Finally, after a long moment of silence, she whispered, "Leo... I think this one is the one."

He smiled lightly. "Then take it."

The salesperson nodded excitedly. "Please, ma’am, go inside and try it on."

"Go on," Leo said, his voice quiet and warm as he gestured toward the changing room.

Bella clutched the gown against her chest like it was something precious and hurried happily toward the changing area, her steps small and excited, her cheeks still glowing.

Leo watched her go, his eyes softening again, as if he couldn’t wait to see how breathtaking she would look in that gown.

Bella took a slow breath inside the changing room, smoothing the gown nervously with her palms. The fabric felt soft against her skin, and the tiny crystals shone like stars every time she moved even a little. Her heart beat faster with every second, and she bit her lip as she turned toward the mirror.

She almost didn’t recognize herself.

The gown hugged her gently, not tight, but in a way that made her look delicate and elegant. The soft beige-pink tint brightened her skin, and the sparkling details made her look like she was standing under moonlight. For a moment, Bella simply stood there, blinking, unsure if this truly was her reflection.

She swallowed, whispered "Okay... okay..." to herself, and slowly walked out of the changing room.

Leo, who had been quietly scrolling on his phone, lifted his head automatically at the sound.

And for a moment, everything inside him just stopped.

His phone slipped slightly in his hand.

His breath halted.

His eyes widened only a fraction, but the shock in them was impossible to hide.

Bella stepped out shyly, fingers nervously twisting the fabric at her waist. She walked toward him with tiny steps, her eyes lowered, her cheeks warm with embarrassment. The gown shimmered with every movement she made, lighting her up like she was walking out of a dream.

"Leo..." she whispered, her voice small and unsure. "D-do I look... okay?"

But Leo didn’t answer.

He couldn’t.

His eyes were fixed on her.

He stood up slowly, each movement gentle, as if afraid she might disappear if he moved too fast. His gaze traveled over her, not in a way that made her uncomfortable, but in a way that made her feel cherished and treasured, like he was trying to memorize every detail.

When he finally spoke, his voice was lower than usual, rough around the edges.

"Bella," he said softly, almost breathlessly, "you look... breathtaking."

Bella’s face turned bright red, her heart thudding in her chest. She fidgeted with the side of the gown, unable to meet his eyes.

But Leo stepped closer, stopping right in front of her. His hand rose slowly, hesitating just a little before brushing a loose strand of hair behind her ear. His eyes didn’t leave her face for even a second.

"I knew you would look good," he murmured, his voice warm and deep, "but this... I wasn’t prepared for this."

Bella’s knees nearly gave out.