~~~Emily
The servants helped me into the dress, their hands swift and practiced. When they were done, Larisa’s smile widened.
She looked at me like she was admiring her most obedient puppet.
Evelyn’s expression curdled like spoiled milk. Like the sight of me actually looking like a bride offended her.
“Good,” Larisa said. “The perfect bride. Remember everything we told you, and you’ll be just fine.”
They led me out of the room and down the hall. My dress whispered against the polished marble floor with each reluctant step. I felt like I was walking toward an execution.
We moved through the mansion’s grand foyer, out the towering doors, and into the blinding light of day, where a sleek black car waited at the bottom of the steps.
The ceremony would take place in one of the largest ca
