~CHAPTER SEVENTEEN~
I sink into the plush chair, letting the soft fabric caress me, while Cassie and Sofia flit around the boutique like butterflies, holding up gowns and draping fabric with precision.
Each dress is stunning, flowing silk, delicate lace, shimmering embellishments but for a bride like me, for someone who’s pretending to be happy, they feel almost unreal.
I pick up a gown they bring me, running my fingers lightly over the satin, and for a moment, my vision blurs, and a single tear escapes, sliding down my cheek.
I quickly brush it away with the back of my hand, forcing a smile. No one needs to know. They don’t need my shadow of worry today.
Cassie notices and leans down, her voice warm and teasing. “Aww, Amelia… that’s tears of joy, right? Seeing these beautiful weddi
