Elena stood in the middle of her room, staring at the gown laid out on her bed. The deep crimson fabric shimmered under the dim light, its elegance undeniable, but her chest tightened at the thought of wearing it. She traced a finger along the delicate embroidery, Lorenzo’s words from the note still lingering in her mind.
"I’ll be expecting you, wife. Behave."
Her stomach churned with unease.
A soft sigh escaped her lips as she glanced at the clock. It was time. Alessia had left moments ago, hurrying to join the other maids in preparing for the grand event. The mansion was already bustling with movement, voices echoing down the hallways, the heavy footsteps of guards ensuring security, and the faint sound of classical music drifting from the ballroom.
Elena hesitated a moment longer be
