I arch a brow, folding my arms. “Days?”
He pauses. Blinks. Then laughs.
“Oh, darling…did no one tell you?”
Something in his tone makes my stomach tighten slightly.
“This isn’t just a wedding,” Matteo says, lowering his voice like he’s letting me in on a secret. “It’s a statement.”
Of course it is.
I should have expected that.
He turns back to the dresses, already unzipping one of the garment bags.
“And statements,” he adds, glancing over his shoulder at me with a knowing smile, “require perfection.”
I step further into the room, watching him work, my mind already shifting gears.
If this wedding is a statement, then I need to make sure it says exactly what I want it to.
“Can I see what wedding dress options I have?”
“Oh, honey, yes—that’s why I’m here,” he says, clicking his long fingers together in a gesture so dramatic it pulls a small laugh out of me.
Within minutes, Matteo fills the room completely.
Energy. Movement. Presence.
He opens the four garment bags with practiced precision, spreading the dresses across the bed like they’re pieces of art meant to be admired.
And they are.
I gasp before I can stop myself.
Each dress is exquisite in its own way—intricate lace, structured silk, delicate beadwork that catches the light with every movement. They’re not just beautiful. They’re powerful. Designed to command attention.
For a moment, I just stare.
Then I exhale. “I…I don’t know how to choose.”
The admission feels strange on my tongue.
“I’ve never had to do this myself,” I add, shaking my head slightly. “Back in Moscow, I had a stylist. They handled everything.”
Matteo scoffs like I’ve just said something ridiculous.
“This is America, baby,” he says, placing a hand dramatically against his chest. “And I’m your new personal stylist and designer.”
He gestures around the room like he owns it.
“Not only am I handling your wedding, but your husband has also already cleared a personal space for me in the building as a studio. I’ll be planning all your public appearances from now on.”
I blink.
“Wow.”
The word slips out before I can stop it.
