Alessia's Pov
“This one,” she said simply, her voice softer than I’d heard it before.
I turned to the mirror, my breath catching at the sight. It was beautiful, elegant, and somehow… me.
Relief washed over me, but it was short-lived. Madam Claudia stepped closer, her gaze fixed on the reflection. Her smile widened, but it felt wrong, like there was something hidden behind it.
“The bride must always look the part,” she said lightly, her tone almost conversational. “Even if the marriage doesn’t last.”
Her words cut through the moment like a blade. I froze, staring at her through the mirror.
“What do you mean by that?” I asked, my voice unsteady.
She tilted her head, her masked face unreadable. “Oh, nothing, dear. Just a thought.”
I turned back to the mirror, but the gown didn’t feel
