CHAPTER 164: CHAPTER 165: MY LITTLE BRIDE

Sienna Johnson stared at the stylist, refusing to back down in their disagreement.

Feeling a headache coming on, Noah Phillips indulged Sienna and said to the stylist, "Just that golden evening gown!"

The stylist shrugged, looking unconvinced, but let his assistant take Sienna Johnson to try on the golden dress.

"A woman’s taste can sometimes be very blind," the stylist said to Noah Phillips as they waited.

"As long as she likes it!"

The stylist shook his head after glancing at Noah.

When Sienna Johnson emerged from the dressing room in the form-fitting golden dress, Noah gasped, as did the stylist. They both were left speechless.

She was seductively stunning, yet also possessed an unparalleled, pure elegance that was both breathtaking and heart-stirring. These two contradictory qualities intertwined to form a complete her. Though the gown was mature, almost old-fashioned, she wore it with an inherent regality and pride. The flair and beauty in her eyes, far exceeding her age, made Noah feel his heart sinking step by step.

This woman is too beautiful, Noah thought. So beautiful it’s sapping away my confidence.

At just twenty-two years old, her beauty was extraordinary. Her aura was a mixture of self-confidence, determination, pride, and dominance. Her features were stunning, but it was her inner temperament and bearing at that moment which were even more captivating. He had never imagined that confidence, pride, and dominance could make a person so beautiful.

A twinge of pain flickered in his heart. As she grows older, she’ll surely walk towards even broader horizons. By what means can I capture her proud heart?

For the first time, his usually high self-regard felt deflated.

Noah cleared his throat and frowned. "The white dress suits her better." This level of beauty will be hard to hide at the birthday party, he thought. If the men there see her, I’m afraid I won’t be able to keep her to myself anymore.

I came for her, but she seems to be drifting farther and farther away, like a kite whose string has been cut. I have no way to control her anymore.

"How could you say that?" The stylist completely changed his attitude, looking at Noah as if he were a monster. Anyone with an appreciation for style could see how beautiful Sienna Johnson looked in the golden dress.

"This dress suits Miss Johnson far better. Her disposition is very special. The little white dress only accentuated her innocence, while this long gown showcases both innocence and sensuality. It’s captivating, and she would absolutely stun everyone at the birthday party!" The stylist looked at Sienna Johnson as if she were a perfect work of art, his eyes shining as if he had discovered a treasure.

Sienna Johnson looked at the stylist and teased, "Who was it that said I would regret choosing this gown?"

"’HEH HEH, I just didn’t expect Miss Johnson’s style to be so versatile that she could pull off this type of dress too.’"

Sienna Johnson turned in a circle, looking at her reflection in the mirror. This is my style, she thought, not that sickeningly sweet, cloying pink princess aesthetic.

Little did the stylist know that these words stung Noah the most, making his expression even more unsightly.

"Brother, why do you look so upset?" Sienna Johnson asked.

"I still think the white dress is better."

Sienna Johnson giggled, her voice crisp and carefree. "Then buy both. Brother, you must have the money, right?"

Noah was amused by her playfulness. "With the money I’m earning now, I can buy you any dress you like."

"Having a wealthy brother makes shopping so much more satisfying!" Sienna Johnson told the stylist, "Let’s buy the white one as well. My brother will pay!"

Noah was all smiles, too.

"Alright."

Ultimately, two dresses were chosen: one golden and one white. Sienna Johnson preferred the golden one.

"Miss Johnson, you need to try on the white dress. If there are any parts that don’t fit, we can alter them now."

"Sure."

Sienna Johnson took the white dress and went back to the dressing room.

After a while, Sienna Johnson pulled back the opaque curtain of the dressing room and walked out. Just then, another customer entered. A draft swept through, causing her skirt to billow. With her skirt dancing in the air, she seemed like a fairy descended from the heavens. The simple gown clung to her slender curves. The pleats on the chest rippled like water, and the chain embellishment perfectly highlighted her captivating allure. Warm-toned high heels added to the beauty of the details.

Noah’s eyes flashed with amazement.

"Baby, you look so beautiful."

Sienna Johnson pressed down her billowing skirt and tucked a strand of hair behind her ear, her face turning red.

Once the dress was chosen, it was time for makeup.

Sienna Johnson had to admit, the stylist had a miraculous touch. With just a few deft strokes from those skilled hands, her face was enhanced, making her even more beautiful.

What amazed her even more was that although she was clearly wearing makeup, it looked as if she had none on—a natural look.

"Although the highest realm of makeup is to make it look like you’re not wearing any, this is a birthday party, after all. It might be better if it’s somewhat noticeable that you are made up."

Not wearing makeup at such events was considered impolite.

"This look matches the white dress you’re wearing. Once I finish your eye makeup and lip color, the makeup will also pair with the golden dress. If you feel this look is too plain, just apply some lip gloss."

With just a touch of eyeshadow and a rose-colored lipstick, Sienna Johnson’s makeup transformed into another style.

Sienna Johnson looked at the stylist with satisfaction, planning to give him a generous tip later.

"Miss Johnson, your hair has a lovely texture. With just a little daily care, it can be black, shiny, and smooth. However, even good hair needs maintenance and care. You can eat more black sesame; it’s very good for your hair..."

"I don’t really like black sesame."

"You can eat black beans, black rice, and climbing knotweed works too..."

"All these black foods, will they make my skin darker?"

"I haven’t heard that eating those black foods will make your skin turn darker..." The stylist and Sienna Johnson chatted happily.

Noah Phillips was not well-versed in topics like women’s fashion and grooming. Knowing she disliked the smell of smoke, he kept his distance, leaning against the window and fiddling with the lighter in his hand. He lit a cigarette, took a deep drag, and exhaled a perfect smoke ring. Sienna Johnson’s image blurred before his eyes.

He didn’t smoke often, only when he was agitated.

What did she mean by what she said earlier? Asking me to find her a "sister-in-law"? What about her promise to me? Has she forgotten that she’s my little bride? That once she grew up, she would marry me?

Noticing Noah Phillips’s sudden silence, Sienna Johnson glanced over at him, only to see him quietly watching her with a smile.

"Did you get bored waiting?" Sienna Johnson asked.

"No!"

"Don’t men usually hate accompanying women shopping or to the salon?" Sienna Johnson asked.