I come up blank.
Everything was good between us when I left her this morning to go and meet with Anton, and I haven’t seen her since.
The only thing I can think of that might have caused her to act so cold toward me is that she’s having second thoughts about the wedding and is pushing me away because she’s changed her mind after all.
The thought hits me like a ton of bricks.
I really hope I’m wrong because there’s nothing I want more than for Lucia Conti to be my wife. Mine.
25
LUCIA
My wedding dayis supposed to be the happiest day of my life and yet, I feel nothing but soul-crushing sadness.
I’ve barely slept in the last two days, replaying Anton’s words over and over in my mind as I lay in my bed, alone.
Regardless of the fact that we’re about to tie the knot, I kicked him out of our shared room, and he obeyed without question, which only confirms that he’s been playing me this whole time.
Surely, if he cared, he would fight a little harder.
Two days ago, I could think of nothing I wanted more than to marry Mikhail Koslov.
I glance at the closet door where my wedding dress hangs, freshly steamed and ready for me to wear.
The moment I chose it, all I could think of was Mikhail’s reaction when he saw it. How his dark eyes would glaze over as he pictured ripping it off me after we were declared husband and wife.
Despite everything I’ve gone through, I thought that I was finally about to get my happily everafter…
I gingerly dab at the corners of my eyes to try and preserve my makeup.
This wedding might be a complete scam, but I’ll be damned if I won’t look incredible for it.
Sitting at the vanity table in Bianca’s room as Elle fiddles with my hair, I try my hardest to appear happy despite the growing pit in my stomach.
Bianca and Zara sit on the bed, each holding one of the twins who are both fast asleep.
All three girls are dressed in various shades of pale blue to match the color scheme of the wedding.
I can’t fault Bianca’s organizational skills. She really has pulled everything together, and I feel so much guilt for not being more excited.
Zara smiles, her eyes shining. “You just look so beautiful.”
I catch her eye in the mirror and offer her a smile, though it doesn’t reach my eyes.
“Zara, I swear if you start crying after I’ve just done your makeup…” Bianca rolls her eyes as Zara dabs at her cheek with a tissue.
“I’m not crying.” She huffs, waving a hand in the air.
The movement stirs Sasha who starts to squawk.
“Well, that’s going to set Ben off,” she groans.
Right on cue, Ben starts wailing in Bianca’s arms, and Zara sighs.
“Hopefully, they’ll wear themselves out before the ceremony.” She glances my way.
“Please, don’t stress. I love that all the kids will be there.”