Page 8 of His Bride

I flinch at the word “bride,” my stomach twisting. Valentina shoots me a concerned look, but I force a smile.

“You’re right, Mama,” I say, hating the lie on my tongue. “Something… grander.”

As we continue browsing, my thoughts drift to my latest webtoon chapter—a fierce heroine facing impossible odds. What would she do in my place?

“Oh, Adriana, look at this one!” My mother’s excited cry snaps me back to reality. She’s holding up a massive ballgown, dripping with crystals and lace.

I struggle to keep the horror from my face. “It’s… certainly grand.”

Valentina stifles a laugh, quickly turning it into a cough. “Maybe we should try on a few different styles?” she suggests diplomatically.

Before I can protest, they’re piling dresses into my arms, herding me towards the dressing room. The weight of fabric feels suffocating.

“You don’t have to decide today,” Valentina says as she helps me inside. “Remember, you’re in control.”

I nod, grateful for her presence. Once the dressing room door closes, I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what’s to come.

I slip into the first dress, a cloud of white satin and tulle. The fabric rustles as I turn, catching sight of myself in the mirror. I gasp.

The woman reflected back at me looks… ethereal. Delicate lace adorns my shoulders, cascading down to a fitted bodice that flares into a sweeping skirt. It’s beautiful, objectively. But as I stare, a chill creeps down my spine.

This isn’t me. This isn’t my dream. I’ve always wanted to get married at some point in my life but to the man I love. Not like this.

I close my eyes, willing away the panic rising in my chest. When I open them, I force myself to focus on details—the intricate beadwork, the way the dress hugs my curves. Anything to distract from the bigger picture.

“Adri? You okay in there?” My mother’s voice filters through the door.

I swallow hard. “Yeah, just… adjusting.” My voice sounds distant, even to my own ears.

Taking a deep breath, I unlock the door and step out.

Valentina’s face lights up, her hands clasping together. “Oh, Adri! You look—”

“Stunning,” my mother finishes, her eyes glistening with tears.

I force a smile, my heart pounding. “You think so?”

Valentina nods enthusiastically. “Absolutely. You’re going to take Dante’s breath away.”

At the mention of his name, my stomach churns. I turn back to the mirror, trying to see what they see. The dress fits my body perfectly, the delicate lace detailing catching the light. But all I can focus on is the tightness in my chest, the way the high neckline feels like it’s choking me.

“It’s beautiful,” I manage to say, “But maybe we should try the others, just to be sure?”

Valentina catches my eye in the mirror, her brow furrowing slightly. She knows me too well. “Of course,” she says lightly. “We’ve got plenty more options to explore.”

I retreat back into the dressing room and slide out of the dress, my fingers trembling as I hang it back on its hanger. The weight of my father’s expectations presses down on me, threatening to suffocate me. I close my eyes, inhaling deeply.

I can do this. I have to.

I open my eyes and grab another dress from the rack. I pull it on, the fabric whispering against my skin.

My heart races as I face the mirror. The gown is a masterpiece of contradiction – classic lines with unexpected cutouts, delicate lace over daring sheer panels. It’s elegant, yet there’s an edge of defiance in its design. Like me.

“What do you guys think? I ask as I step out of the changing room once again.

Valentina turns, her eyes widening. “Adri, you look… gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.”

I spin slowly, feeling the dress move with me.

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