Chapter 1224

Lily entered a sizable boutique, its interior quaint and subtly scented with sandalwood. The shop was sparsely populated. Browsing the merchandise, she found most dresses were slim-fitting and unsuitable for her burgeoning belly.

Rounding a corner, a salesgirl approached. "Would you like to buy a… dress?" she began, pausing mid-sentence as she assessed Lily's attire. The salesgirl's expression shifted; the shop catered to a clientele accustomed to luxury brands, and Lily's simple clothing was a stark contrast. The past two years had seen a rise in brand-conscious fashion, fostering a sense of superiority among those who embraced it. Lily, however, prioritized comfort and practicality, opting for simple loungewear even when venturing out.

"Yes," Lily replied, "Do you have anything loose-fitting? Something pleasing to the eye and, most importantly, comfortable."

The salesgirl, noting Lily's ponytail and lack of jewelry or companion, judged her incapable of making a purchase. A smirk played on her lips as she retorted, "Madam, you might have entered the wrong store. This is Serenus—a luxury brand comparable to Louis Vuitton and Gucci. We have nothing suitable for you."

"Have I inquired about the price?" Lily responded calmly, unsurprised by the encounter.

"Madam, it's a friendly reminder," the salesgirl snapped, turning away. "Besides, our dresses are tailor-made and unsuitable for pregnant women." She then muttered loudly enough for Lily to hear, "Stay home if you're pregnant. Why are you even buying dresses?"

Before Lily could reply, a soft voice interjected, "Ma'am, are you looking for something looser fitting?"

Lily turned to see a shy but friendly intern, her smile genuine.

"Yes, I'm pregnant, so I need something loose and comfortable. Do you have any such designs?" Lily clarified, acknowledging that not all dresses would be slim-fitting and that the shop might not carry what she sought; her complaint was solely with the salesgirl's rudeness.

"Yes, we do!" The intern replied, leading Lily to several sheath dresses without waistline seams. "These are last year's designs, but still stylish and affordably priced. Why don't you try them on? They might seem simple, but once you wear them—"

The other salesgirl interrupted, "This lady finds them beneath her standards. Jane, show her the Bamboo Wind dress."