As the car parked in front of the boutique, I leaned my head against the window, wiping the last traces of tears from my face. My mind drifted to Nico— his caring voice, his firm hands and chest, the way he used to look at me like I'm his world, I remembered how I'd lay on his chest then he sings me beautiful songs till I fall asleep his warmth every f"""" thing about him was intoxicating .
I didn't even notice the tears rolling again until Jessica's voice snapped me back.
'We are here" she sighed
We stepped out of the Prada and into the boutique,
"Welcome to "Giovanni Privata Signorina," the boutique director greeted us, bowing slightly with a practiced smile. Two attendants hovered just behind her, waiting for orders
"Are the dresses ready?" Jessica asked immediately, sounding bored, as if she'd been forced to come.
"Yes, ma'am. Please, this way."
The manager led us into a private section of the boutique, offering us wine while we waited. Within minutes, the workers wheeled in five gowns. They were stunning, each in their own way;
The first, a ball gown had ivory tulle, layered so thick it resembled a floating cloud, scattered with beaded flowers.
The second, a sleek satin mermaid gown with a daring slit up the thigh and jeweled straps that glimmered like fire.
The third, a lace sheath with long sleeves,delicate embroidery.
The fourth, a gown that glittered under the boutique lights—silver sequins cascading like shattered glass over pale silk.
'Too bold, too loud, too much' I said in my head already disappving it
The fifth dress, a simple white crepe, off-the-shoulder, flowing effortlessly to the floor.
"This way, ma'am," the attendant gestured toward the changing room.
Inside, two women helped me undress. The first gown was beautiful but so heavy. The second squeezed the air out of my lungs until I could barely breathe.
"Next," I said flatly.
Third was preety though but I just didn't like it. I ended up choosing the last one it was the most simple and easy looking of all
The manager bowed slightly. "We'll make adjustments to your size and have it ready in a few days."
'The dress' Jessica tried to ask
'Already picked it' cutting her off as i followed the sales lady into another section of the boutique for jewelries.
Jessica frowned, clearly annoyed I hadn't asked her opinion. She turned to the workers, and they instantly lowered their heads, afraid to meet her gaze.
By the time shopping ended, it was evening.
'Don't ever interrupt me again ' Jessica said aggressively as the chauffeur started the engine of the car heading home
I didn't respond I guess she held the gruge since.
The car rolled to a stop before the mansion, the butler greeted us with a bow. "Welcome, madams. The family is about to have dinner. Please, prepare and join them."
I climbed the grand staircase, heading to my room. A quick shower later, I found several maids waiting in my closet with gowns for dinner.
It was exhausting—needing to dress up even for dinner. My mother had adapted easily into their customs, but for me. I guess I was the only one having a hard time. It's been months since i had been here, and still I felt like a stranger. My step-siblings made sure I never forgot that my mother had been "the other woman."
You and your mom are nothing but replacements, they'd sneered.
And maybe they were right. Because now, even my father had proven it— I guess I was a pawn in his game
If he truly loved his first wife, why marry my mother? Why bring me into this world?
"You're ready, young miss." one of the maids whispered dropping the hairbrush softly