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Josie helps me into the dress, lacing the ribbon in the back. The underskirt lifts the layers perfectly, and the kitten heels I chose yesterday set it off to perfection.
I had almost talked myself out of wearing it. But now I see the full effect. There's no way I'm backing out.
Vlad keeps blowing hot and cold, and I'm sick of it. I will defy him today and find out what kind of man he is.
"You look phenomenal," Josie says. "I need to take a photo."
"Use my new camera. It's on the table."
"Vladi got this for you?" Josie unboxes the camera and powers it on. "I think it's gonna be okay, Morgana. I really do. He cares about the things you care about. I bet he won't hurt you or your parents."
"So I should just run away?"
Josie tilts her head. "Is it worth the risk? And do you really want to?"
"No, and no comment, in that order. Help me with my hair?"
* * *
We're outside the church, and I'm drenched in nerves. I'm surprised at how emotional I feel, given this is all for show.
Lilyana is inside, letting everyone know we're here. I hear a string quartet play 'Canon in D.' Lili reappears, propping the door open.
My father is behind her, carrying a bouquet. He gives the flowers to Lili and smiles broadly, taking my hands in his.
"Dad!" I blink rapidly, trying to stave off tears. "I wasn't expecting you. Why are you here?"
"Mr. Kislev called me early this morning." Dad puts his hand on my cheek. "He has cleared our rent arrears and put five million dollars into our account to apologize for his rudeness in taking you away the way he did. He said he would not ask for my blessing but hoped I would agree to give you away at the ceremony."
What the hell?
"At first, I thought he was being cruel, mocking me," my father continues. "He stole you, after all. But it was thewayhe asked. I said I would attend, but it would be your decision."
"This is crazy. I'm so happy to see you. But who's looking after Mom?"
"Would you believe me if I told you she's here?" Dad's eyes are filling too. "After he took you away, I had to tell her the truth, and she wore herself out screaming at me and crying for hours. But then we received a package full of the best medicine. Treatments we could never afford. Your mother started feeling better almost immediately. She has a way to go, but the light is returning to her eyes." His voice cracks. "I got her back, Morgana.Wegot her back."
I can't believe Vlad did this. He never said a word to me about it. All he did was ask me to wear a specific dress style, and I went behind his back to show my dissatisfaction at his request.
I was worried about the consequences, but now I'm seized by a worse fear that I didn't expect—that I might genuinely hurt him. Am I capable of wounding the heart of the man who kidnapped me and forced me to be his bride?
"Come on, Lili, we're going first," Josie says.
Liliyana hands me the bouquet. "I'm super scared to be in front of all those people," she says."
"You don't have to do anything. I'm just glad you wanted to be here with me. If you're struggling, stand by Vladi and don't look at your father."
Josie takes Lili's hand. "I'll keep hold of you, honey. Just smile and keep putting one foot in front of the other. It's your big brother's wedding day!"
With that, Lili beams. "I love him so much. I can do this."
I stay out of sight, watching my bridesmaids enter the church. My father takes my arm.
"Ready?"
I nod. "Let's go."
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