Page 88 of Savage Pakhan

21

MIA

Never in my wildest dreams did I think any of this was possible. There are a dozen people in the penthouse with their own crates and clothes racks. A few racks are for everyday clothes. Others have wedding dresses on them I can’t wait to try on.

Alek really did think of everything. From sleepwear, to blouses, to lingerie. I blush when I look at that rack. I know that was his idea and if he wants to see me in pieces of string, then I’ll gladly wear them.

I’d do anything for Aleksandr Bykov.

A designer named Antoinette Laurent, a French designer who is known for her beautiful wedding gowns is taking my measurements and speaking to her team in fluent French.

“Your fiancé was very helpful when explaining what you wanted in a dress. I brought everything I thought would be perfect.” She snaps her fingers and her awkward assistant stumbles to her side, pushing her glasses up the bridge of her nose. “Get me Veronica. I think that is the dress for my bride.” Her bright red lipstick stays in place as she smiles, her long black nails tapping her chin as she is deep in thought. “Yes, Veronica. Bring her to me.”

“Right away, Ms. Laurent.” Head down, shoulders slumped, the assistant hurries to the rack, pulling a dress from the rack.

It’s covered in a deep plum-colored garment bag, protecting the material from the pollution from the outside world. The exhausted assistant blows a piece of hair out of her face, clearly overworked and hopefully not underpaid.

My excitement dies a little when I see the dress. Did she listen to Alek? This dress has so much tulle, it would swallow me. I don’t like dresses like this.

“I think you would look wonderful in this,” she says, fluffing the skirt to give it a fuller effect. “See the beading along the corset and how your waist⁠—”

“I’m sorry for interrupting you.” I hurry to cut her off before she spills the entire history of how this dress was created. “This isn’t the type of dress I like. I’ve tried one on before and princess gowns aren’t what I like. I like form fitted with beading. I fell in love with one dress. It was off the shoulder, form fitted with a sweetheart neckline and bell sleeves that almost reached the floor. It was timeless and dramatic with vintage lace and light beading. It was perfect.” My eyes water knowing I’ll never see that gown again.

I wish I could have bought it when I tried it on. I remember not wanting to take it off. Leave it to Ivan to ruin the wedding dress experience.

“I know. I wanted to see how much you’d advocate for yourself. This gown is gorgeous, yes, of course it is. I created it,” she chuckles and even her laugh sounds expensive. “I wanted to know if you’d have the same answer as Mr. Bykov. You did.” She snaps her fingers again and the assistant zips up the garment bag, hanging the giant dress on the rack with the others.

“You want Halo from my Ethereal Collection.” Ms. Laurent snaps her fingers again and another assistant brings a shimmery gold garment bag from another rack. “I brought other dresses, but when Mr. Bykov explained your dress, I knew it was from my Ethereal Collection.” The bag is slowly unzipped, time standing still as the light catches the first of the beading by the neckline.

Oh my god. This is it.

This is the dress. How did he find it? How did he know that the dress I wanted was from this designer.

The garment bag is stripped free, leaving nothing but the gown on the hanger. My breath catches as I take a step forward. I’m stunned.

“How…” I struggle to ask the questions running through my head. I can’t seem to find the words.

“Well, it wasn’t easy, but Mr. Bykov always finds the answers he was looking for. I must have been the tenth designer he called to describe the dress to me.”

“He called designers? For… me?” I wipe the tears from under my eyes away, his love for me flooding my heart.

“Oui. He wanted you to have your dream dress. Do you want to try it on?”

I nod so fast, my teeth clink together.

“Perfect.” She snaps her fingers again. “Everyone but Kelsey, leave the bedroom please.”

I’m in the primary bedroom where Alek and I slept last night while Alek is in the room on the other side of the penthouse. We still want to surprise one another with what we buy.

The bedroom door closes, leaving me alone with Kelsey and Ms. Laurent.

Kelsey wastes no time stripping me of my clothes until I’m left in a strapless bra and simple pair of white panties. I feel exposed and cross my arms over my chest to hide myself.

These ladies seem to be on a mission, not paying me any mind as they prepare the dress.

“Step in,” Ms. Laurent orders with another snap of her fingers.

Always snapping. It’s loud too. Seems demanding people has become a habit of hers. I don’t argue. I’ve thought about this dress too often to say anything now.