Rita Castillo didn’t merely go shopping—she embarked on an experience. After all, a woman of her caliber deserved exquisite indulgence. The object of her desire today was a stunning purple dress she’d spotted days prior, nestled invitingly in the store window like a whispered promise of perfection. She could already picture how it would drape her—commanding attention, exuding elegance, irresistible in every sense.

When she arrived at the boutique, the dress greeted her like an old lover, bold and bewitching in its beauty. It glimmered under the soft lighting, and yet, her triumphant smile faltered ever so slightly. An extra-small.

An extra-small?

She tilted her head—chin lifted in defiance—eyes narrowing as though challenging the audacity of the garment itself. Rita Castillo didn’t conform to a dress; the dress conformed to her.

“Ah, how disappointing,” she muttered, though not to herself. Her words hung in the air for anyone within earshot, laced with sugar-coated venom. And that’s when she appeared—a saleswoman, clearly enchanted by Rita’s presence. Or perhaps it was fear.

“Madame Castillo, is it too small?” The woman’s voice was tentative yet hopeful, like someone eager to prove their worth. “I could have it tailored to perfection for you.”

Rita raised a perfectly arched brow, her lips curving into a smile that both mocked and rewarded. “You should’ve offered before I noticed,” she replied coolly, though there was an undeniable flicker of approval in her tone.

And just like that, Rita reclaimed her triumph. “Yes. I expect it to fit me perfectly. Spare no detail.”

She had barely acknowledged the woman’s reply before turning her gaze back to the dress, her excitement rekindled. Finally, the world was falling neatly into place, one purple masterpiece at a time.