Chapter 1026

Chapter 1026“Got it.” Silas tucked the files under his arm and asked after suddenly remembering something, “Mr.
Shane, the Thompson residence is now unoccupied. Should we send someone to maintain it?”
“No. After Sam's funeral is done, box up all the possessions and seal the residence. We'll hold our
annual ancestral prayers there,” Shane replied lightly.
Silas made a sound of agreement and left.
Natalie pinched Shane on his shoulder to get his attention. “Is there going to be a funeral for Sam?”
His body had been transported to a funeral parlor.
Come what may, Sam was still a Thompson. Thus, Shane claimed his body and didn't donate it to a
science institution.
Sam was not the same as Susan. He was a blood relation of Shane.
Just like Harrison, no matter how much Natalie hated him, she still gave him a proper burial.
“No, everyone knows what he did to my parents. If I gave him a funeral, I would be a laughingstock.
Just a burial is fine.”
“Fair point.” She nodded.
Shane enveloped her in his arms. “Where's my gift, Honey?”
She didn't know whether to laugh or cry.
It had been on his mind since yesterday as if he was afraid that she would forget about it.
“Fine, fine, it's ready now. Let's go to our bedroom.” Natalie pulled him up.When he left for Thompson Group in the morning, she had the chance to stash the gift in the bedroom.
Shane followed her into the room, brimming with anticipation.
As the door swung open, he walked in but didn't notice anything out of the ordinary.
Everything still looked the same with no apparent alteration.
He thought her gift was a small gathering, and she had decorated the room and prepared something
for him.
However, there was nothing.
“Where's the gift?” Shane turned and looked at Natalie questioningly, his eyes flashing with annoyance
at the absence of the gift.
“In the closet.” She smiled.
Shane marched to the closet with long strides, a trace of displeasure evident in his gaze.
He yanked the doors to the closet open, and what was inside shocked him.
There were two mannequins dressed in a sleek black tuxedo and an indescribably beautiful wedding
dress.
The dress was fashioned with a full train behind, and the bodice was encrusted with a delicate
sprinkling of tiny rhinestones, creating an illusion of a sheer galaxy. Anyone who laid eyes on it could
never look away.
“You...” Shane's lips twitched, the words poised to tumble out, but nothing came as he continued
staring at the mannequins.Natalie drew up at his side. “So? Do you like it, Darling?”
He rubbed his temples and slowly came out of his startled state, turning his fathomless gaze to her.
“When did you buy it?”Th€ connection to th€ §ource of thïš dat@ r€§t$ in n0v3lebook“I didn't buy it. I designed it myself.” She laughed.
Shane's brows rose. “You designed it? When? How did I not know about it?”
“I started working on it when you brought the kids for moral support during my competition abroad and
mentioned a wedding. I sent the design to Joyce and had someone create it. At first, I wanted to make
it myself, but I had no time.” Regret colored her tone as she studied the wedding gown.
Shane pulled her into his arms. “No, you did design it yourself. You don't have to do everything
yourself. I wanted to hire the best designer in the world after the competition ended to create a stunning
dress for you. But you were one step ahead of me.”
“Of course. It had to be a surprise for you,” Natalie responded with a cheeky smile.
He chuckled wryly. “Well, mission accomplished. But traditionally, it should be the man who gifts the
wedding dress to the woman. Now...”
“Nonsense. Who says it has to be that way? The opposite is perfectly fine, too. Besides, we're husband
and wife. We should lean on each other and give to each other equally. I can't have you always solely
giving in our relationship. I want to do something for you as well. But I'm limited in what I can offer, and
I don't know much of anything else. I have a knack for designing, though, so it's two birds with one
stone,” Natalie said ruefully.