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Ryan releases my hand, leans forward to plant a kiss on my forehead, then he walks away.
My heart crumbles as his promise sinks in and deep down I know his efforts will be fruitless. Not because Hunter is this untouchable billionaire and Ryan would need a miracle to compete with him. It's because I know my heart doesn't belong to him anymore.
But it shouldn’t belong to Hunter either.
Chapter 16
Luna
“Oh, Luna, you look absolutely stunning.” Kimberly smiles at me. “This is the one. This is definitely the dress you should pick.”
The seamstress nods her agreement. We're at the Vera Wang boutique in Manhattan. We've been here for half an hour now. I tried on the host of dream dresses that were selected for me and have to agree that this is the one.
I stare at my reflection in the full-length mirror and marvel at the breathtaking wedding dress adorning my body. It has delicate straps on the shoulders, a fitted bodice covered in diamantés, and a long flowing skirt that glides around my legs when I move. I look amazing.
I smile back at Kimberly and the seamstress. “I love this. You’re right; it’s the one.”
“Perfect.” The seamstress claps her hands. "I'll allow you to get used to it and see if there are any adjustments you'd like to make."
“Thank you. I’ll let you know.”
She gives me one last smile before she saunters away.
I study myself again in the mirror, part of me not quite believing that I like the dress so much. After everything that's happened with Ryan and Hunter over the last few days, I never expected to like anything ever again.
I turn to Kimberly, who takes my hands into hers with delight.
“Luna. This is a fairytale dress. A beautiful dress for a beautiful bride."
"Thanks. I'm glad you think so.”
"Oh, sweetheart. It's not just about what I think. It's a fact. You look truly beautiful and I'm so glad to be here to see you like this. You are my daughter, whether my blood runs through your veins or not, and today I'm so proud of you."
Her eyes turn glassy, as if she's going to cry. It's not the first time she’s said something like that to me but today, hearing her say so warms my heart and soothes my troubled mind.
“That means everything to me.”
"Then I mean it even more." She pulls me in for a long hug, where she holds me close. "You're a brave, brave girl, Luna. I hope you know that."
"I’m doing my best."
"You're doing more than your best."
We pull apart and I stare back at her. "Am I?" I have to ask because my life feels like it's gone to hell.
"Of course you are." She touches my cheek. "I know none of this could have been easy on you and everything has happened in such a short space of time."
“Yes. It feels like I woke up one day and my life had changed into something else.”
“That’s how it feels for me, too, but it’s you who’s going through all the changes. Please remember I'm here to talk anytime you want. I mean that."
“I know." I smile back at her, feeling more grateful.
We've spoken a lot over the last few weeks, and she's even gone the extra mile to visit me at work and bake me cookies.
In true Kimberly style she's been the supportive stepmom who goes above and beyond for her step-kids. I used to wonder if she tried as hard as she did with Layla and me because she couldn't have her own kids and wanted to impress Dad, but as time went by I knew she took care of us like her own because she truly loves us.
“Thanks for coming today. It was nice to have you here.” Emily came with me the other day and helped me select a range of styles. She couldn’t make it today, but it was good for it to be just Kimberly and me. If Layla were around, I would have liked her to be here, too.
