Chapter 4 Velour

"Are you okay?"

Bill asked Beauty politely.

The girl bowed her head feeling shy and embarrassed over the oversized gown she wore.

"I'm...I'm fine." She stuttered and turned to walk away quickly but Bill reached out to her wrist, preventing her from going.

"You're going for the audition." Bill said firmly which made Beauty raise her head. Her beauty radiates like the sunlight.

"But.."

"First we need to change your look." Bill interrupted her with a smile.

Bill waved at another taxi which stopped and they both entered.

"How much for a charter? For a day." Bill asked the Driver while Beauty listened from the backseat.

"It's $1000." The young driver said.

Beauty wondered what he's up to.

Bill relaxed on the seat and said "Alright. Let's go to Velour vogue." He said.

Hearing that, Beauty gasped surprisingly.

She has to gasp because Velour vogue is not just an ordinary boutique. It's a high-end gallery where latest collections of clothes are displayed, purchased by those who can afford it- the rich ones.

The Wall of the boutique is made up of transparent glasses and passersby could see gowns and other clothing accessories on display from outside. At the top entrance of the Boutique is the name; Velour Vogue boldly engraved stylishly at the top.

"We'll be right back." Bill told the driver and stepped down from the taxi before Beauty did.

They entered the boutique and luxury greeted their sight. The boutique is bathed in soft warm lightening that flatters the marble floor. Every piece, from gown to blazers is given its own space, hanging gracefully on brushed metal racks while some were displayed on mannequin like sculptures.

At a corner, a plush sitting area welcomes guests with arm chairs with a crystal tray offering water and espresso. A soft scent, something floral and powdery lingered in the air.

The Workers were dressed in white shirts and black trousers for the males while the females wore black skirts which fitted them perfectly.

One of the female workers walked to them with a practiced smile that would invite anyone to enter the Boutique. On the shirt is a badge which held her name; Stephanie.

"Good day sir and ma. What are you getting from us today?" Stephenie began, her teeth sparkling white. "We have the latest outfits that'll fit any occasion you want to rock. If you'll follow me now we can check around" She continued politely.

Bill glanced at Beauty. The girl only winked. She was still in shock. She had always wanted to purchase any item from Velour but she couldn't afford it.

"Shall we?" Bill brought her out of the shock and thought.

"Yes sir. Let's check around." She said and gulped down.

"This way please." Stephenie led the way. "Do you have any designs you're looking for?" She asked on the way.

"Not really but it should be a red gown." Beauty said.

Stephanie took them to an area where red gowns were hanging elegantly on a rack. Each of them looks breathtaking and speaks of luxury. Few customers were around, checking out what to purchase too.

Beauty's eyes scanned the lines of gowns. They all look satisfying hence making a choice would be very difficult.

Stephanie pointed at one of the dresses- a half length gown made of scarlet silk. The body was sculpted to perfection while a delicate embroidery, stitched in tiny glimmers of gold danced across the neckline.

"This is the Scarlet Empress, costing $5000 dollars." Stephenie said.

Beauty let out a gasp with surprise flashing in her eyes.

"A single gown cost that much?" She was stunned.

"It's the latest and trending gown but if you want something lesser I can.."

"Do you like it?" Bill simply asked Beauty, interrupting Stephenie.

Beauty nodded with a slight frown. "I do but it costs a fortune." She said,

"We're buying it." Bill said confidently.

Beauty's eyes widened in surprise.

Before she could say any words, a voice cut in from behind.

"Oh..wow!! Isn't this the latest Scarlett Empress gown?! I'm taking this!!" A lady rushed forward to quickly reach the gown but Stephanie quickly stepped in.

"It has been taken." She said,

The lady frowned slightly and lowered her hand. "I have been looking all over for this gown for the past one hour. I must get it today or never!" The girl stated, her voice conclusive.

"I'm sorry ma. You can simply select another gown. This is the last piece remaining in the store or you will come tomorrow to get it." Stephenie said politely, the smile unwavering on her face.

"How much is the gown?!" Celeste, the girl asked desperately, refusing to give in.

"It's $5000 dollars ma. You can deposit the money and you'll just get it tomm.."

Celeste cut in harshly, her pitching voice attracting nearby customers. "Don't you get it!?? I said I'm getting the gown now!!!"

"We've already selected it." Bill simply said without winking away from the adamant girl.

"And do you think you can really pay for this?!" Celeste rolled her eyes, looking at Bill from head to toe, her gaze condescending. "When did Velour start allowing cheap customers inside their store?" She chuckled.

"I should be asking why they allowed an arrogant and mannerless customer into the store." Bill retaliated.

"How dare you!! Do you know who I am!!" Celeste flared, gritting her teeth, her pride and anger fleeting.

Bill chuckled softly. "And will you show or tell me who you are? A princess? Celebrity? Or a Superstar?" He waved at her dismissively and turned to Stephenie.

"Let's have the gown please." He said.

"I'm buying the gown! I'll pay $6000 for it!!" Celeste chipped in confidently, playing smart with her money. "It's accepted isn't it?" She laughed.

Bill scoffed. "We already selec..."

"I'm sorry sir. Our company allows bidding." Stephenie stepped in reluctantly because she actually wanted Beauty to get the dress.

"Alright then. I'll pay $7000 for the gown!" Bill stated confidently, eager to even take bid higher.

"$8000!" Celeste took it up.

"$10000!!" Bill didn't back down.

Everyone rippled from the onlookers.