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I’m not a cheater. I’ll never betray her.

And I don’t miss the life I had before, not even a little.

How the fuck do I make her see that?

“Bye, honey. Have a safe flight tomorrow,” Mom calls from the living room, waving. “Bye, Ser. Love you.”

“See you all Friday,” I mutter, already halfway out the door. Sierra’s hand in mine—warm, but tense.

My head’s a fucking mess. I don’t want her questioning what I feel for her.

I understand her jealousy. God knows I’m worse.

But this?

This isn’t jealousy. This is doubt.

She doesn’t trust me.

And that…

That fucking wrecks me.

TWENTY-THREE

Sierra

“This gown is perfect,” my mom whispers, her eyes gleaming with emotion as she takes in my reflection.

“You look devastatingly gorgeous, Ser. Nick is going to lose his mind when he sees you.” Thalia’s words make my stomach twist with nerves.

My hands tremble ever so slightly as I stand on the platform, staring at myself in the mirror, wearing the dress—in the most famous bridal fashion house in New York.

It’s Wednesday, and I’m here with Thalia, my mom, and Sara.

I opted for a mermaid silhouette, and I look exactly how I dreamed I would—elegant, bold, and powerful. The dress hugs my curves with unapologetic precision, and for once, I feel like I own every inch of my body.

I hope it’ll make Nick lose control the second he sees me, I want that look in his eyes, that lust and possessiveness that only I get from him.

The bodice, made of silk and adorned with hundreds of tiny pearls, has a deep V-neckline, just modest enough for a church ceremony but still undeniably sexy. The skirt is a combination of luxurious satin and tulle, adorned also with pearl accents, and the train is, of course, cathedral-length, making me seem regal.

“My son is already crazy about her,” Sara says, sipping her champagne with a sly smile. “He’ll want to lock her away so no one else can see how sexy she is.”

We all laugh, mostly because it’s probably true. I may be crazy jealous, but Nick is certifiably insane. And honestly? I love that. I love pushing his buttons and bearing the consequences. That kind of love? That kind of hunger?

It’s addictive.

Dangerous. And mine.

Feeling my cheeks flush at the thoughts of Nick and me in bed, I shake my head and turn to Maria, the designer.

“Thank you, Maria. This is exactly the dress of my dreams. And it’s absolutely breathtaking.”

Her face lights up like she genuinely thought there might be a person who wouldn’t love this piece of art.

“I’m so happy you like it, Sierra. I made it with so much love and joy.”

She reaches out to hug me from the side and I return the gesture.