He recognized it.
The memory surfaced so vividly that it felt as though it had happened yesterday.
Not long after getting engaged, they had gone on a trip with several mutual friends. They had rented a large villa together, spending a few days sightseeing and relaxing.
That evening, after dinner, Juliet had disappeared upstairs, only to come running back down a while later.
She had looked so excited.
"Vincent!"
He remembered turning around to find her standing at the top of the staircase, twirling happily in that exact same nightdress.
"How do I look?" she had asked, smoothing down the fabric with both hands before spinning once more. Her eyes had sparkled with anticipation. "I bought it especially for this trip because I thought I'd look cute in it for you."
Back then, all Vincent had noticed was how short the nightdress was.
Several of their male friends had still been sitting in the living room.
His expression had immediately darkened.
"Go change."
Juliet had blinked, her smile faltering. "What?"
"I said go change." His voice had been cold and firm. "You're not wearing that in front of other men."
The excitement on her face had instantly disappeared.
"But I bought it for you..."
"Juliet."
That had been enough.
Without arguing further, she had quietly lowered her head and gone back upstairs. A few minutes later, she had returned wearing a much more conservative pair of pajamas.
At the time, Vincent had thought nothing of it.
Remembering it now, Vincent couldn't help scoffing softly.
So she had kept the dress all this while.
A strange sense of satisfaction rose within him.
Of course she had.
Why else would she still have it?
She must have kept it because of him.
She was probably wearing it tonight because she knew he would eventually come looking for her.
The thought had barely crossed his mind when he suddenly heard the faint sound of footsteps behind him.
Vincent's entire body tensed.
He spun around sharply.
