Chapter 43
Azalea stood in front of the mirror, her fingers trembling slightly as she fastened the last clasp on her gown. The tension in the air was suffocating, her mind racing with everything that had happened in the last few hours. She looked at her reflection, her face carefully composed, though inside, she felt like she was unravelling. Tonight had to be perfect, and yet, all she could think about was how many eyes would be watching her, waiting for her to slip up.
The door opened quietly, and Federico stepped inside, already dressed in his formal attire. He gave her a brief smile, the kind they had both perfected in the months they had spent pretending to be in love. It was a smile that reached their lips but never their eyes.
"You look stunning," he said, his tone devoid of emot
