Not just any dress.A stunning emerald green velvet dress with long sleeves and a fitted bodice that flares slightly at the waist.Next to it, a tailored wool coat in charcoal gray with subtle silver threading along the lapels.
On top of the dress, there’s jewelry.A delicate silver necklace with a single emerald pendant.Matching earrings.Simple, elegant, understated.
Exactly my style.
My throat tightens as I pick up the note resting on the pillow, Alexander’s handwriting stark against the cream cardstock:
‘Put this on.’
I try calling him again.It goes straight to voicemail.
“This is the worst possible time you could pick not to answer your phone,” I mutter, glaring at the screen.
I check the time.Five.I barely have an hour left.I need to get ready.
I head to the bathroom, stripping off my clothes as I go.The shower is hot and quick, washing away the day.I dry my hair, and let it fall in loose waves around my shoulders, apply minimal makeup—just enough to enhance without looking overdone.The dress slides on like it was made for me, the velvet soft against my skin, the fit absolutely perfect.
I stare at my reflection in the mirror and do a small twirl, watching the skirt flare slightly.The dress hugs my curves without being inappropriate, the neckline modest but flattering.The emerald brings out the green flecks in my hazel eyes.
It’s beautiful.And expensive.
I think about my bank account—healthy enough, especially with the salary Alexander pays me.But half of every paycheck goes straight into Sophie’s college fund, the one I set up the moment I started making real money.After paying my rent and utilities, I set aside money for my parents’ retirement, then my own savings.What’s left goes to necessities and the occasional want.
I don’t buy myself expensive clothes.Not because I can’t afford them, but because every dollar feels like it should go somewhere more important.But Alexander… Alexander pays attention.He notices what I like, how I dress, the brands I glance at but never buy.He notices everything.
And somehow that makes my chest ache in a way I’m not prepared for.
I notice a bag beside the bed.Inside are fur-lined ankle boots, and I slip them on.They fit perfectly—comfortable and warm, exactly right for walking in the cold.Shrugging on the coat, the charcoal gray wool settles over my shoulders like it was made for me.Because it probably was.
I grab my phone and check the time again.Five forty-five.Slipping my phone and keys into the coat pocket, I take one last look in the mirror.The woman staring back at me looks confident, beautiful, ready.Like someone who belongs with Alexander Castellano.
I head out into the winter evening.
* * *
Main Street is alreadyalive with Christmas magic.
The sun’s already set, and the town glows like something out of a dream.Every lamppost is wrapped in evergreen garland strung with thousands of white lights.Windows glow with festive scenes—miniature trains circling through artificial snow, and glittering snowflakes suspended from awnings.The massive Christmas tree in the town square towers above everything, its forty feet of lights and ornaments visible from blocks away.
But that’s not what makes me stop and stare.
The festival has transformed the entire downtown.A Ferris wheel rises against the dark sky, its lights tracing brilliant circles of red and green and gold.A carousel spins slowly in the park pavilion, its painted horses and sleighs outlined in twinkling bulbs.There’s a swing ride, and bumper cars, and what looks like a miniature train circling the perimeter of the square.The air smells like roasted chestnuts and hot chocolate.Christmas music drifts from speakers, mixing with the delighted shrieks of children and the general hum of the crowd.
I follow the flow of people, looking for Mom or Alexander or any sign of what’s supposed to happen at six.The opening ceremony is at seven—I saw the flyers at Mom’s shop.But Mom mentioned another event, something before the official start.
“Looking for someone, Olivia?”
I turn to find Amber standing behind me, Chase at her side.
She’s dressed to kill in a cream-colored coat, her blonde hair styled in perfect waves.Chase looks uncomfortable in a sweater and jeans, his hands shoved in his pockets.But when his eyes land on me, something flickers in his expression.He stares at me intently, his gaze traveling over the dress, the coat, before quickly looking away.
“Just meeting my family,” I say evenly.
Amber’s eyes travel down my outfit, and I see the flash of envy before she hides it behind a tight smile.“Nice dress.Special occasion?”
“The festival.”I keep my tone neutral, refusing to give her the satisfaction of a reaction.
“Where’s Alexander?”She says his name casually, like they’re old friends.“Don’t tell me he’s abandoned you already.”Her smile sharpens.“You can join us if you’d like.I’m sure Chase wouldn’t mind.”
