Page 30 of Claimed By The Other Brother

There's a knock at the door. Sarah answers it, and the hair and makeup team sweeps in with their equipment—lights, mirrors, cases full of products.

"Good morning, bride!" The lead stylist, a woman named Monica, beams at me.

"Are you ready to get gorgeous?" She says.

"As ready as I'll ever be."

They set up their station by the windows, the natural light perfect for makeup application. I settle into thechair they've brought, and Monica drapes a cape around my shoulders.

"We're going to make you stunning," she promises, running her fingers through my hair to assess the texture.

"Classic updo with some loose pieces framing your face. Elegant, timeless, romantic."

Her assistant starts working on my makeup. Foundation, concealer, contouring. I close my eyes and try to relax into the process. Jane and Sarah are chatting behind me, their voices a comfortable background hum. I'm only half-listening until I catch a snippet of their conversation.

"I mean, he's definitely the most attractive man I've ever seen," Sarah says, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

"Right?" Jane agrees.

"Those eyes. That presence. And the way he carried himself—"

"Like he owned the room," Sarah finishes.

They're talking about Dax.

"I kept thinking, how are they even brothers?" Jane continues.

"Miles is great, don't get me wrong, but Dax is on a completely different level."

My jaw tightens. The makeup artist notices.

"You okay, hon? Need me to stop?"

"I'm fine," I say quickly. "Keep going."

I force myself to tune out Jane and Sarah's commentary. I focus on the sensation of brushes on my face, the gentle way Monica is pinning sections of my hair. This is my wedding day.

An hour later, my hair and makeup are finished. Monica spins the chair so I can see myself in the mirror.

I barely recognize the woman staring back at me. My hair is swept up in an intricate updo, a few blonde tendrils curling softly around my face. My makeup is flawless—dewy skin, smoky eyes, perfectly pink lips. I look like a bride.

"You're gorgeous," Jane breathes, coming to stand behind me.

"Absolutely stunning," Sarah adds.

Monica smiles with satisfaction.

"Now let's get you into that dress."

The wedding gown hangs on a padded hanger near the window, the ivory lace catching the sunlight. Jane and Sarah carefully lift it down while Monica helps me step out of my robe.

The dress is a masterpiece. Fitted lace bodice with delicate beading, a sweetheart neckline, and a flowing skirt that pools at my feet. Jane and Sarah work together to help me step into it, then slowly zip up the back.

"Oh my God," Sarah whispers.

I turn to face the full-length mirror, and my breath catches. The dress fits perfectly, hugging my curves before flowing out in elegant waves. The lace detail on the bodice catches the light, thousands of tiny crystals sparkling.

"This is really happening," I say softly.