Chapter 117 - The Dress

The dress shop in the casino complex was relatively empty with only a couple of people casually browsing. Since the dresses were so expensive, the shop didn't get very many customers. Most people either checked the prices and decided to try their luck in the casino, or they had just won some money and wanted to find a place to splurge.

Inside the change room, Halia was all alone with the three dresses that Emerson had picked out. One was a tight red dress with a mermaid cut, another was a black off-shoulder dress, and the last one was a short white lace dress with long sleeves. All three looked elegant in their own way.

Halia picked up the red dress first and tried it on. Her slim figure slipped perfectly into the dress as it hugged the curves of her body. But, Halia felt slightly awkward in it. Even though the dress wasn't very revealing, she felt as though it drew too much attention.

"Are you done, Halia? Come out and show me," Emerson called from outside.

Halia sighed and stepped out to show the man how she looked in the dress he had picked.

As soon as Emerson saw Halia's curvy figure, his mouth opened wide in surprise. He never expected her to be so fit. Didn't she just work in front of a computer all day?

Last time, when they went to the boxing club, Halia had her body hidden underneath a loose t-shirt, but now that Emerson saw her body properly, he couldn't help but wonder why she didn't just show it off all the time. It wasn't easy to have such a fit body; she deserved to be proud of it.

"You look amazing," he stuttered.

Halia glanced down and frowned, "It's not my style, I don't feel comfortable in it. Plus, I think it's a bit too fancy for dinner."

Emerson nodded in understanding and pointed at the change room, "Go try on the other two first."

Halia returned to the room and soon returned in the black dress. Perhaps, due to the color, it felt slightly less showy, so Halia immediately felt a little more comfortable. But, the off-shoulder collar was too revealing and it didn't seem too appropriate for a family dinner. So, she ended up returning to the change room once again.

Finally, she stepped out in the last dress. It was a white lace dress that sat just above her knees. Although it revealed her beautiful long legs, it was modest with its long lace sleeves. The dress was elegant and graceful; perfect for someone like Halia.

As Emerson stared at the woman with admiration, he was sure this dress was a winner.

To be honest, Halia also liked it too. But, there was no way she could afford it with her police salary, so she forced a frown on her face and said, "Actually, I think I have something better in my luggage to wear. Let's not waste any more time here."

But, just as she returned to the change room, Emerson turned to one of the shopkeepers and said, "We'll take the last one. Put it on my tab and send it to room 808."

...

Meanwhile, over at the old town, Sean and Natalie had just finished eating brunch at the Chinese restaurant and decided to go for a walk towards one of the most famous landmarks in Macau, The Ruins of St. Paul's. 

"That restaurant had some of the best wontons I've ever tasted," Sean praised as he rubbed his stomach with satisfaction.

"I told you the food would be better today," Natalie grinned proudly.

She then grabbed Sean's hand and started dragging him towards the street that led to the ruins. "I hope you're not full. There's much more this way," she giggled excitedly.

Sean glanced down at his hand and felt a spark of electricity tingle up his arm. He was happy yet frustrated. He couldn't control his feelings for this woman and realized he was definitely attracted to her, but, he also knew that she was someone he could never have. It was like dangling an unreachable carrot in front of a horse.

The street was crowded with tourists and locals, so Natalie continued to hold onto Sean's hand as they squeezed through the bustling street. Along the way, they were offered samples from various stores, including famous almond cookies and pork jerky. Every time something was offered to them, they happily accepted it all.

By the time they got to the end of the street, it was like they had eaten another meal.

"I'm so full now," Sean laughed as he naturally pulled Natalie's hand to feel his stomach.

Natalie touched the man's stomach awkwardly and felt her cheeks blush. She could feel his abdominal muscles through his shirt and it was extremely attractive. How could this man still have a 6-pack after eating so much?

"I think you can still eat more," she chuckled jokingly.

She then pulled her arm away. But, just as she was about to back away from the man, a tour group brushed past and accidentally pushed her forward, forcing her into Sean's embrace. Sean subconsciously reacted by wrapping his arms around the woman protectively as the group passed by. But, even after the group was gone, he did not want to let go.

Upon realizing that she was sharing a hug with the man, Natalie's breathing sped up, along with her heartbeat. As she leaned her head into Sean's chest, she realized his heartbeat was abnormally quick too. Was she imagining things? Why was his heart beating so fast? 

Natalie lifted her head to look at the man and discovered that he was already glancing down at her. Their eyes met and Natalie held her breath.

After grieving properly, Sean's mind was clear now and he couldn't deny what he was feeling for this woman. Sara was his first love, Halia was an unintended rebound, but Natalie...

Natalie was just Natalie...

She was a woman he chatted to every day, a woman that he was comfortable around, a woman that he cared about and a woman he was excited to see. She was perfect in every way, except...

...she wasn't interested in men...

With this thought, Sean sighed in disappointment. But, just as he was about to release Natalie from his arms...the woman slowly leaned forward with hesitation. What was she doing? Sean felt butterflies fill his stomach as he subconsciously tightened his embrace. 

Underneath the iconic facade of the Church of St. Paul, ambiguity filled the air as Sean and Natalie moved in closer with each breath,

First, their noses touched...

...then their eyes closed...

...and finally, their lips met.