“Thank you, Himari-san,” I say with a smile.
“Of course, Tanaka-san. Would you like me to help you put it on?”
“Actually, if you don’t mind, I’d rather have a minute alone,” I say.
“Of course. I’ll go check in with your mother, then.” With a quick bow, she shuffles from the room.
I feel miles away from civilization in one of the many guest rooms on the Chiaroscuro estate.
My family was invited to get ready for dinner here, since we just finished with the rehearsal.
The wedding will take place on their lavish terrace tomorrow.
It only made sense when their home was made to host events of this size, and now that it’s nearing the heat of summer, their gardens are a riot of color. The perfect backdrop for a momentous occasion.
Glancing at the garment bag that holds my dress for tonight, I feel a knot tightening in my stomach.
Leo sent it as a gift, but aside from in passing today, I haven’t seen him since he dunked me in the fountain at our engagement party, so my trust is at an all-time low.
If he has another nasty prank waiting for me, I don’t really want a witness when I open the present. Not even Himari.
Wiping my hands nervously on the terry cloth robe I donned after my shower, I steady my nerves as I approach the dark bag.
I wouldn’t put it past Leo to stick a snake in there after calling me a viper, so rather than open the zipper, I run my hands down the offering to check for any movement or oddly-shaped lumps.
Nothing.
I’m sure I’m being silly, and I laugh to release my nerves and the breath I didn’t realize I was holding.
Then I unzip the bag to reveal beautiful crimson velvet. Rather than my typical style of loose, flowing fabrics, this one feelssomewhat heavy and stretchy enough that it drapes across my hands as I pull the floor-length material out of its bag.
The dress’s long sleeves look modest enough, and my racing pulse starts to calm as I realize this might actually be a peace offering after what happened.
I doubt it, but I can’t see the harm in putting on the dress he got me.
Daring to shrug out of my robe, I step into the generous opening at the neck and guide the slinky velvet up over my hips and arms.
Thankfully, it has a boat neck that sits just beneath my collar bones, covering my chest.
But the open cowl back scoops beneath the base of my spine, revealing more of me than I’m used to exposing and making it impossible to wear a bra.
Biting my lip, I turn toward the floor-length mirror to assess the dress.
It’s stunning.
Clinging to me like a glove and showing off every curve and angle, the heavy fabric has undertones of gold and midnight blue.
The softly flowing skirt flares out below my hips like a ruby waterfall, the soft fabric swaying with the slightest motion, and the thigh-high slit gives brief glimpses of my left knee and calf.
I hate to admit how much I love it, but as I turn to look at the back of the dress, I’m mesmerized by the color, the confidence it gives me, even though I’m sure my father would never approve.
Pulling my hair up, I consider the amount of bare skin I would be showcasing, and my pulse quickens.
Leo can’t seriously believe I could wear this, can he?
Maybe one of the many women he’s taken to his bed could pull it off, but not a Yakuza daughter on the night before her wedding. Even a bare knee or shoulder could be considered crude in my world.
The door bursts open without a knock, and I yelp, dropping my hair as I whirl away from my reflection, sure I don’t want my mother to catch me admiring the fine dress.
