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“Thank you, Naomi. I’m excited to be shopping with you,” I reply, trying to keep my voice bubbly.
“Shall we get started then?” Naomi asks, pulling out a tape measure from her bag. “I like to do measurements before we leave, so I know your true size.” She jots down a number on a card. “You know, there will be quite a few events leading up to the wedding. Have you thought about what you’ll wear for those?”
“Don’t frighten the poor girl just yet.” Larissa takes over. “But yes, she will need a brand-new wardrobe.”
“Of course.” Naomi recovers instantly. “We have a lot of shopping and nowhere near enough sunlight to get it done. What do you say we hit Fifth Avenue and make a day of it?”
“Who’s paying for this?” I ask stupidly.
“Nikolai’s card has no limit,” replies Larissa, laughing. “He expects a bill well into the six digits.”
I blink, stunned by the casual mention of such an astronomical figure. But then again, this is Nikolai’s world, I remind myself. A world where money is no object and extravagance is simply a part of everyday life.
Both women laugh, sharing knowing looks. “After all,” Larissa says, “you can’t wear the staff uniform on your wedding day.”
I say nothing and follow them out of the penthouse.
“All right, Eden,”Naomi says, scanning the racks with a practiced gaze. “Let’s find you some stunning outfits to wear.” She eyes my dress again and sighs.
“Remember, darling,” Larissa chimes in. “Nikolai’s money is no object today. Go wild!”
My heart races at the thought. “Are you sure this is okay?”
“Nikolai has always been generous,” Larissa replies with fondness. “Especially when it comes to those he loves.”
And the ones he hates, what do they get? I tried not to piss him off that night after the explosion, but he scowled at me as ifIhadset off that bomb. It makes me nervous to think about it. The possibility … No, that’s silly. I can’t start believing these lies.
“I think this dress is perfect for the rehearsal dinner!” Naomi holds up a sleek black number with delicate lace detailing. “The perfect blend of formality and innocence.”
I nod, admiring the dress in the full-length mirror. “Isn’t it too … dark for a rehearsal dinner?”
“Darkness can be beautiful too,” Larissa replies softly, a knowing smile on her lips. “Sometimes, it’s even necessary.”
My startled gaze locks on hers. I wonder if there is a deeper meaning behind her words. I slip into the dress. As I step out of the dressing room, I catch a glimpse of myself in the mirror, and for a moment, I hardly recognize the woman staring back at me.
“Wow,” Larissa’s eyes widen with admiration. “You look absolutely stunning.”
“Agreed,” Naomi says, nodding approvingly. “Now, let’s find a few more pieces to complete your wardrobe.” She quickly discerns which outfits suit each event’s dress code and venue. She’s like a fashion fairy godmother, magically transforming me into a woman Nikolai would want to marry.
Should I care? I shouldn’t, but I do. Rejection is a tricky thing. No one wants to receive it under any circumstances.
I wander away to take a break … and look for a phone. They don’t really need me; half the clothes in the dressing room are for Larissa. Aimlessly, I am wandering through rows of dresses when I stumble into an alcove. The wedding gown on the mannequin fixes me to the spot. I’ve never thought about my wedding day. Why would I when I barely had permissionto leave the house? But this one catches my attention. Folds of ivory silk are sewn into a skirt that fans out from a corset of intricate lace, and the details of the stitching draw me in. I reach out to touch the delicate trim on the sleeve.
If I had dreamt of a gown, it would be this one.
“Lovely.” Naomi grips my shoulders and gives me a hug. “A beautiful dress for a beautiful girl. Oh, the magic of love.”
I look down at the carpet, wondering if my face is redder than my hair. “It’s nice,” I mumble.
“Go ahead.” Larissa hurries in to join us. “Try it on.”
“No, I’d rather not.”
Naomi’s hands clamp down on me. “Don’t be foolish. He’ll want to see you in that dress.”
I shake her off me. “I can’t try on anything else!” I don’t mean to shout, and they stare at me as if I’ve gone completely mad. Finally, a salesperson appears to investigate the commotion. Shaking, I slump down on a chair. “I’m tired and hungry. That’s all.”
Larissa checks her phone. “It’s almost three. We should stop for a break.”
