Linsy walked over to the sofa, her movements deliberate. She reached into the elegant gift bag, her fingers brushing against the tissue paper before closing around the delicate fabric within. She drew out the dress, holding it up against the light of the office.

It was a deep emerald gown, the color of a shadowed forest. The design was a masterwork of haute couture; a strapless bodice that would hug her frame, flowing down into a lavish, cascading skirt made of a material that felt like liquid ...