The charity gala was the first time they had to appear together in public since the wedding.
Ella stood in front of the full-length mirror in her room, smoothing down the black silk gown Rebecca had sent over. The dress was elegant—high neck, long sleeves, slit up one leg that showed just enough skin to turn heads without screaming for attention. She looked like a wife. She felt like a stranger.
She twisted the wedding ring on her finger. It still felt too heavy.
A soft knock on the door.
She turned. “Come in.”
Alex stepped inside.
He was already dressed—black tuxedo, crisp white shirt, tie perfectly knotted. Hair still damp from the shower. He stopped just inside the doorway, eyes running over her slowly.
“You look...” He swallowed. “Good.”
She managed a small smile. “Thanks.”
He
