“No, but you implied it.” I pace across my room now, one hand in my hair as I try to ignore my pounding heart. “Do you think I can’t afford to buy my own dress?”
The truth is that money is extremely tight, and if I wantto buy my own dress, it will likely have to be from some thrift store, but Ronan doesn’t need to know that.
I hate charity, but I hate it even more when it’s being offered by the Sullivans.
“I think…” He sighs. “That I don’t care enough to argue. You want to pay? Pay. You want to show me how independent you are? Be my guest. As long as you show up at the ceremony, that’s all that matters to me.”
I grind my teeth. “Go to hell, Ronan.”
“I’ll save you a seat.”
And then the line goes dead.
I stare at the screen for a second, tempted to throw the phone across the room once again.
Ronan might see this marriage as a union, but I see it as nothing more than a prison sentence.
After shooting backa triple espresso like it’s tequila and a lot of internal screaming, I meet Mila on the way to Soho to go wedding dress shopping.
“This is surreal.”
Standing in front of the window ofSienna Bridal, a thin sheet of sweat starts to coat the back of my neck. Though that might be down to the amount of caffeine I’ve just consumed on an empty stomach.
Mila loops her arm through mine as we both look at the lavish and overpriced gowns in the window, surrounded by expertly arranged bouquets of fresh white lilies and roses.
“You’re telling me. I can’t believe you’re getting married in a week, and I found out viatext.”
“It’s not really a wedding if that makes you feel better.” I sigh as I eye the most beautiful silk dress. “It’s nothing but abusiness deal—but with roses and cake. Though, knowing Ronan, there won’t even be that.”
Mila chuckles as she squeezes my arm. “You do realize how dramatic you sound right now?”
“I’m marrying Ronan Sullivan, Mila. Iamdramatic right now.”
She hums, then grins. “Are you going to wear white?”
I tilt my head to the side, contemplating my choices. “I was thinking black, with a veil long enough to hide my scowl.”
“Or…” She tugs me toward the shop entrance. “We find you something that makes Ronan’s jaw drop. You know, make the bastard suffer.”
I raise an eyebrow. “You want me to seduce the enemy?”
“I’m saying you should weaponize your hotness. He deserves to be tortured a little.”
My lips pull up into a smile.
Nowthatis an idea I can get behind.
“We really should find somewhere else to look, though.” I sigh as I think of the extortionate price tags on these dresses. “I don’t know why I’m torturing myself. This store is way out of my price range.”
“Yes, but the whole point is to try a few styles on and then track down the dresses at a thrift place.”
“If you say so…”
The moment we step inside the store, I’m hit by the smell of roses and vanilla. If I thought the window display was luxurious, it’s nothing compared to the interior.
Mannequins dressed in the most stunning gowns are dotted throughout the shop floor while various heels and tiaras are displayed on shelves around the edge of the store. Vases of white lilies and roses are placed on either side of the counter as well as on a glass table set between two white chaise lounges.
I glance down at my worn Converse and cringe.
