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But was she willing to take the gamble? Because if Stefano couldn’t love her, why would she be stupid enough to open herself up to more heartbreak? She wouldn’t. Lola was right. She could never let herself love Stefano again, even if she wanted to. Not unless he loved her first.
But what if he didn’t? Could she live her whole life without love?
Tess glanced at the empty champagne glasses on the table, next to the bouquets made by the hotel florist. Yesterday she’d relished her friends’ shock and delight when she’d told them that her baby’s long-lost father had returned, revealing himself to be a billionaire prince. And, not only that, he wished to marry Tess immediately!
Lola and Hallie’s giddy squeals had been music to Tess’s ears. She’d loved showing off the sparkling ten-carat diamond engagement ring Stefano had bought her on Fifth Avenue, after they’d left City Hall with their marriage license. She was wearing the diamond ring now, and though part of her already missed the simple integrity of Stefano’s gold signet ring, obviously she couldn’t go around wearing it on her thumb. She’d told herself she’d get used to the cold weight of the diamond in time.
Getting ready for the wedding with her two best friends had seemed like a good idea. And at first it had been wonderful. They’d giggled, drinking mimosas, and Tess had felt contented.
But now the gorgeous platinum-set ten-carat diamond ring hung heavily on Tess’s left hand.
Shaking, she rose to her feet.
“Fine bridesmaids you two make,” she said accusingly, “trying to talk me into jilting him at the last minute.”
The other two hung their heads.
“Sorry, Tess,” Hallie said. “He is your baby’s father, after all.”
“Sorry,” Lola muttered.
Tess lifted her chin. “I never had a father or a real home. Don’t you think I want that for Esme?”
“Of course you do,” Hallie sai
d soothingly.
“I’m sure you’ll be very happy.” But Lola didn’t sound sure at all.
Tess swallowed. “Stefano has promised to be faithful. All he wants is to make me happy.” Her voice trembled. “He’s going to whisk me away to London and Milan and Paris for our honeymoon—”
“Some honeymoon.” Lola snorted. “A fashion CEO dragging you to all the Fashion Weeks. That’s not a honeymoon—it’s a business trip!”
“I studied fashion design,” Tess said defensively. “I can’t wait to be a part of it!”
“Sure, as his trophy wife. Not a designer.”
Tears rose to Tess’s eyes.
“You hush,” Hallie told Lola harshly. “Don’t listen to her,” she said, patting Tess’s hand.
“I’m just trying to save you from a lot of grief,” Lola said flatly. “The fact that he’s a billionaire only makes it worse. Because billionaires don’t know how to love anyone.” Her eyes were bleak. “I know.”
“Excuse me,” Hallie said.
“Except your husband, Hallie. He’s one in a million.” Lola’s face gentled into a smile. Then she shook her head. “Doesn’t Cristiano have anything to say about this wedding? He hates Stefano Zacco!”
Hallie shrugged. “Cristiano says since Tess has a child with Stefano, she must see something good in him, and on her own head be it.” She grinned. “I think my husband must be remembering that I didn’t always think so highly of him, either.”
Slowly Lola picked up her bridesmaid’s bouquet in a rustle of rose petals. “I think it’s a mistake to leave your family and friends, and get married after a one-day engagement to a man you barely know.” Wiping her eyes, she tried to smile. “But, of all people, you deserve the fairy tale, Tess. If you’re sure Stefano’s the one, then I wish you every happiness. I...” Her voice broke. “I’ll see you in there.”
The blonde hurried out of the room.
“She’s just worried about you,” Hallie said.
Tess looked at herself in the full-length mirror. Stefano had arranged for one of his smaller luxury fashion brands, Fontana, to make her a lavish wedding dress. The gown was exquisite, made of white satin, with full skirts and a corset bodice with a sweetheart neckline. The edges were embroidered with tiny diamonds, and so was the long white veil that trailed down her back, over her red hair that was pulled back into a chignon. Anchoring the veil was a 300-year-old diamond tiara, an heirloom of the Zacco family.
Her green eyes were lined with black kohl and mascara, her lips ruby red with lipstick. As Tess looked at herself in the mirror, she barely recognized herself. But in spite of the gown, the veil and the tiara, she suddenly thought she didn’t look right for a bride. There wasn’t any joy in her expression. Her eyes were scared.
