BY CONTRACT: His to own

Chapter27

The wedding boutique was nestled on a high-end street lined with designer storefronts and sparkling window displays. Its entrance was pristine, framed by trimmed hedges and blooming white roses, the glass doors glinting in the morning sun. Damien pulled into the reserved spot near the entrance and killed the engine in one fluid motion. Ava's hand rested in her lap, her knuckles pale from how tightly she was gripping her purse.

As the doors of their car opened, a sleek black SUV pulled up to the curb.

Ethan and June stepped out.

Ethan’s eyes landed on Ava immediately, his expression hardening like cracked stone. His jaw clenched, a muscle ticking as he took her in the soft curls in her hair, the way her blue sundress hugged her body, the hint of gloss on her lips. His gaze was laced with something bitter, something possessive. Jealousy, raw and undeniable, flickered in his eyes like a spark about to ignite dry leaves.

Beside him, June looked radiant. Dressed in an elegant ivory blouse tucked into a soft beige skirt, her blonde hair glowed in the sun, and her smile stretched wide with pure joy.

“Ava!” June called out cheerfully, waving before hurrying over in her heels. “Thank God you came! I really needed a girl’s help today.”

Ava forced a small smile, her heart thudding like a drum beneath her ribs. “I’m happy to help.”

June didn’t hesitate, she took Ava’s hand warmly, lacing their fingers like they were lifelong friends. The gesture caught Ava off guard, but she allowed it, walking with her as they made their way toward the boutique’s entrance.

Damien trailed a few steps behind them, hands in his pockets, his expression as unreadable as ever. Calm. Watchful. Controlled. Like he wasn’t walking into the lion’s den but simply another meeting on his schedule.

Ethan’s stare burned into the back of Ava’s head as he followed, shoulders stiff and movements taut.

The boutique's double doors swung open as a young assistant greeted them with a practiced smile. The scent of fresh flowers and expensive fabric swirled in the air, delicate and heady. The boutique was all soft lighting and elegant decor pearl-colored walls, plush armchairs, and racks lined with delicate lace and silk.

“This way, Miss June,” the assistant gestured, already familiar with their appointment. “We have several gowns prepared for your final fitting.”

June turned to Ava with a glowing smile. “Come on! This is the exciting part.”

Ava followed her into the inner showroom, where wedding gowns were displayed like ethereal beings floating in soft light, draped over mannequins with jeweled bodices, flowing trains, and layers of satin and lace.

Meanwhile, Damien and Ethan were led in the opposite direction, toward the suit room. The assistant gestured politely, but the tension between the two men was palpable as they walked side by side, neither speaking. Ethan kept throwing quick glances over his shoulder toward Ava and June, while Damien, stoic and silent, didn’t spare him a single glance.

Inside the gown section, Ava helped June go through the selection. The consultant brought over a series of hand-picked designs each more stunning than the last.

First came a mermaid-cut dress, shimmering with tiny seed pearls. Then a soft A-line gown with lace sleeves and a plunging back. June gasped as she touched the third one, an off-the-shoulder satin piece with a long cathedral train.

“This one,” she said with dreamy eyes, lifting it carefully. “I need to try it first.”

“Of course,” the consultant beamed, guiding her to the fitting rooms.

Ava took a seat on the velvet chaise as June disappeared behind the curtain. She sat there quietly, her hands folded tightly in her lap, trying to breathe through the discomfort tightening in her chest.

This was the woman marrying Ethan. This was the fantasy Ethan had left her for. And yet here she was, playing advisor to the bride. The irony clung to her like humidity, stifling and heavy.

June stepped out of the changing room in the mermaid-cut gown. The fabric clung to her figure like it was made for her, and her face lit up with childlike excitement.

“Well?” she twirled. “Too sexy?”

Ava gave her a polite smile. “It’s stunning, but maybe not very… you.”

June giggled. “That’s what I thought.”

Two more dresses followed. Ava gave her honest opinions, never cruel, never too warm. She kept her answers measured. Detached. And yet, June seemed to grow fonder of her by the minute.

The final dress was a delicate off-the-shoulder piece with subtle floral embroidery was the one that made June gasp in front of the mirror.

“Oh my God,” she whispered, hands fluttering at her waist. “This is it. I can feel it.”

Ava looked at her reflection in the mirror. The way June beamed, eyes wet with emotion, tugged at something inside her. She swallowed the lump in her throat.

“It’s perfect,” Ava said softly. “You should go with this one.”

June turned, her smile glowing with gratitude. “You’ve been such a help today, Ava. I don’t know what I’d have done without you.”

Before Ava could answer, the assistant returned, leading them into the jewelry section.

The walls sparkled with displays of diamonds, sapphires, and pearls. Glass cases housed tiaras, necklaces, and earrings, each piece more breathtaking than the last.

They browsed in companionable silence, occasionally murmuring opinions as June tried on different combinations. She placed a diamond necklace against her neck, then swapped it for a delicate sapphire drop set.

“This one?” June asked, turning toward Ava.

Ava tilted her head, nodding slowly. “It brings out your eyes.”

“Exactly what I thought!” June beamed.

As June returned to the next display case, Ava’s phone buzzed quietly in her purse. She excused herself for a moment and pulled it out, her breath catching in her throat when she saw the name.

Damien.

She opened the message.

It starts now.

Ava stared at the screen, her fingers tightening around the phone. The background noise of June’s soft laughter and the consultant’s polite chatter faded into a dull hum.

Something cold, electric, zipped through her veins. The air felt suddenly thinner.

She looked up slowly, her eyes scanning the boutique until they met Damien’s.

He stood at the far end of the showroom with Ethan beside him, expression as calm and unreadable as always, but his gaze was fixed on her. Heavy with purpose.

Ava’s pulse thudded in her ears. Her chest tightened, breath catching. She knew what came next.

The curtain was rising.

And the truth was about to be laid bare.