Chapter 21

The soft glow of the late afternoon sun bathed Ella's room as she carefully selected her attire for the dinner with Maverick. Her fingers grazed over the fabrics hanging in her closet before settling on the mulberry lace sheath dress. The delicate lace caught the light in an almost ethereal way, and she couldn't help but admire the dress's elegance.

Ella slipped into the dress, feeling its gentle embrace as it accentuated her figure. The softly pleated cap sleeves added a touch of femininity, while the alluring back cut-out lent an unexpected allure. She stood before the mirror, her fingers tracing the intricate lace pattern and the teasing hint of skin revealed by the cut-out.

The square neckline of the dress balanced modesty with a hint of allure, making it a perfect choice for the evening. Ella's long hair cascaded down her back, concealing the back cut-out, and she adjusted it slightly to make sure it fell just right. She completed the look with a pair of black lace pumps,