Now, that same dress was draped over Alexa's body as though it had always belonged to her.
The realization made Juliet's stomach twist painfully.
Because Alexa wasn't just anyone.
She was Vincent's closest female friend. The woman who had constantly inserted herself into their relationship. The woman who had repeatedly crossed boundaries while pretending she meant no harm.
And now she was standing there wearing the dress Juliet had once dreamed of wearing on one of the most important days of her life.
Slowly, she took a step forward, never taking her eyes off Alexa.
"How did you get that dress, Alexa?" she asked, her voice still frighteningly calm. "Because unless someone broke into my house and stole it, I can't think of any other explanation."
Alexa was her cousin, the daughter of her mom’s sister. Growing up, Juliet had treated her like a sister. Whatever Alexa wanted, Juliet gave without hesitation. Clothes, jewelry, gifts, attention—she had never been stingy with her.
Never once had she imagined Alexa would sit in a room full of people and mock her behind her back.
Never once had she imagined Alexa would take something that meant so much to her.
Alexa glanced at her before turning to Vincent. A playful smile curved her lips as she slipped her hand around his arm and gave it a gentle shake.
"Vincent, look," she said with a light laugh. "She's upset. I told you she'd get upset, but you wouldn't listen."
Juliet's brows slowly furrowed.
A strange feeling settled in her chest.
Her gaze immediately shifted to Vincent.
Vincent calmly placed his whiskey glass on the table and leaned back in his chair.
"I gave it to her."
His tone was casual.
As though they were discussing a handbag instead of her wedding reception dress.
"There is nothing to make such a big scene about. It's just a dress. If you want one, buy another."
Alexa's smile instantly widened.
"Exactly." She smoothed her palm over the emerald fabric and admired it. "I told Vincent to show it to me, and the moment I saw it, I fell in love with it. He said I could have it if I wanted."
She looked at Juliet and smiled sweetly.
"So it's mine now."
Juliet stared at her.
For a moment, she wasn't sure she had heard correctly.
"That's my wedding reception dress, Alexa."
Her voice came out quiet.
Almost numb.
"The dress I was supposed to wear when I married Vincent."
