“Um. Not really. As long as it isn’t a white, flowing dress, I’m fine. I want some colors.”
“Then colors you shall have.” She smiles, and we flip through the huge stacks of catalogues. They’re organized by style, season, occasion and material, and have everything from super fancy—the kind you might wear to a royal wedding—to shirts and shorts to nightgowns and underwear.
With Akiko’s guidance, I pick out five cocktail dresses, four floor-length gowns and several shirts, shorts and skirts.
“You don’t want to over-buy because dresses go out of style, and you might want to try something new and interesting later,” she says. She also helps me choose shoes and accessories. “A womanmusthave a full ensemble. What you present yourself to the world is what you become.”
While Juliette busies herself grabbing the items, Akiko turns to me. “I saw you came here in a limo. Is Ares being extravagant?”
“Partly. But I don’t know how to drive.”
Akiko cocks an eyebrow. “Ah. That makes sense, given what you said yesterday.” She sighs softly. “I’m so sorry about what happened to you. I hope my reaction didn’t make youuncomfortable. I didn’t know what to make of it. I’ve heard of people doing terrible things for an inheritance, but slow poisoning…” She shakes her head.
“Yeah. I got used to it, though.”
“You shouldn’t have had to get used to it.”
She pats my hand. The gesture is motherly—the kind my own mom might have given me if she were alive. It sends an achy pang through my heart, and I contain an absurd urge to ask Akiko to hug me.
“If you’d like, I can arrange for some driving lessons. No pressure, but I believe a woman shouldn’t rely on money alone. She must be capable, and every bit of knowledge is another piece of the final work.”
“I’d love that,” I say, trying to contain the excitement at the idea of learning to drive and having a car of my own. “And…could I ask you for another favor?”
“Of course.”
“Can you teach me how you did the flower arrangements at the house? They’re really unique and beautiful.”
She brightens immediately. “I’m so glad you liked them! In Japan, flower arranging is calledikebana. I’d love to show you how to do them. It’s not that hard, and you have such good taste. I’m sure you’ll learn quickly.”
“How do you know I have good taste?”
“You loved my plating, remember?” she says, then joins me in laughter. “When you have time, you should visit our home again. We have a small art gallery inside with some interesting contemporary pieces. I think you’ll enjoy it. I even bought a Susan Winters on auction last year.”
I gasp. “You have one of my mom’s paintings?”
Akiko blinks. “Susan Winters was yourmother?”
I nod.
She covers her mouth with her hand. “Oh my goodness! What a small world. She’s one of my favorites!” Then something else crosses her face. “Wait a minute. Are you fromtheHayworth family? The one that owns Hayworth Logistics?”
“Yes.”
She gasps. “Does Ares know?”
I laugh. “Probably not.”
Her eyes widen. “So he doesn’t know how much you’re worth?”
I shrug. “I guess not…? He never asked. But he did bring up needing a prenup to protect his assets.”
Akiko laughs until tears form in the corners of her eyes. “Oh my. That’s so funny. I won’t say anything, but I can’t wait to see his reaction when he finds out.”
I nod with a smile. This union between me and Ares may not last that long, but I don’t have the heart to tell her.
“I imagine the marriage hasn’t been what you dreamed of,” she says, the mirth slowly fading from her expression.
I stare at her in shock.
