The Blackwood mansion had never looked more alive.
From the balcony, Tessa could see the entire courtyard blooming with colour — rows of lilies, tulips, and white roses carefully arranged around the marble fountain. Workers moved quickly, tying silk ribbons along the railings, their laughter echoing faintly through the air.
Inside, the sound of music floated through the halls….soft, classical, the kind that made you feel like everything in the world might be right again.
Tessa stood before the mirror, barely recognising the reflection staring back at her. Her hair was pinned loosely, a few curls framing her face, and the dressmaker was fussing over the delicate lace of her gown.
“Hold still, Miss Quinn,” the woman murmured. “It’s your last fitting before your big moment.”
Big moment?
