Well, if I have to marry the devil, I might as well look pretty doing it.
“Right. Yeah.” I open the door wider, stepping aside so they can glide in with the dresses and whatever else they’ve got.
They remove their shoes by the foyer, and I lead them to the bedroom, where they lay everything on the bed.
“Mr. Marinov was very specific. Lace, thin straps, sweetheart neckline, mermaid silhouette, flared tulle, and small beaded diamonds along the floral appliqué near the hem,” Claire says, unzipping the first bag.
“He said all that?”
“He had notes,” Kelly adds cheerfully. “He really cared about getting your dream wedding dress right. As a surprise, he said.”
Color me fucking shocked.
When they unzip it, my eyes grow. The dress is stunning. Too stunning. The kind of gown you picture in fairy tales…if the fairy tale was written by someone who enjoys psychological manipulation and brutal dominance. And if I’m being honest, if I was ever going to get married for real, it would be in something just like this.
I’ve never imagined my own wedding. I was never the type of girl who stared at dresses and rings and wondered what her future husband would look like or be like.
And I definitely never pictured myself getting married to a Russian mobster.
My eyes catch on the delicate straps and the shimmer of the beadwork near the train. The way the lace flutters at the bottom. It’s the most beautiful thing I’ve ever seen, and it makes me want to hurl my mug through the nearest window.
“Would you like to try it on?” Kelly asks.
No. Yes. Can I keep the dress, but not the fiancé?
I nod stiffly, not trusting my own mouth.
“The designer wanted to make sure Mr. Marinov was satisfied, so the gown was created in two sizes.” She clears her throat.
“And your satisfaction is important too, of course,” Claire adds quickly, realizing how that sounded.
Right. Of course. This isallabout me.
“We’ll step out to give you some privacy,” Claire goes on. “When you’re ready, just let us know.”
“Okay.”
As soon as they leave and close the door, I take the first gown and place it on the carpet, stepping into it.
When I pull it up, it’s surreal, like I’m putting on someone else’s life. Someone who doesn’t know what it feels like to be backed into a corner by a man with eyes like weapons and threats laced in every smile.
I call them in, and they start squeezing me into the corset. Once they’re done, they stare at me like I’m a doll on display.
“You look so beautiful!” Kelly gushes, while I want to roll my eyes until they fall out.
“Here, let’s get you into the shoes he chose.” She grabs a pair of silver heeled sandals that look like they cost more than my monthly salary. “He included your sizes for everything, so these should fit. You must be so excited!”
“Yeah,” I mutter. “Ecstatic.”
They laugh like I’m joking.
Claire fastens the earrings next. Diamond studs so bright, I swear I see into the future.
She grins as she takes a step back. “Perfect.”
“Let’s get you to a mirror.” Kelly guides me toward the long one in my room.
And when I see myself, I stop short. Because I look…beautiful.
