Page 93 of Coerced Wife

The question catches me off guard because I can’t. It’s as if he’s embedded under my skin and engraved on my heart. After everything we’ve shared these last few months, I can’t imagine not waking up beside him or not seeing his face when I open my eyes.

“Well?” Livy says.

“No,” I admit.

She lets go of my hand to wave her arms in a flamboyant gesture through the air. “There’s your answer.”

A knock falls on the door. Tersia opens it before I can reply, carrying a huge bouquet of white lilies and roses in a crystal vase.

“Oh my God,” she shrieks. “There’s the bride.” She kicks the door shut. “I can’t believe you’re getting married.”

I cup my belly. “Being eight months pregnant.”

She puts the flowers on the dresser. “Who cares? You’re going to look gorgeous. Besides, you hooked the big fish, darling. All the single women will be jealous.” She plucks the card from the arrangement and brings it to me. “A florist delivered this just as I arrived. Sav asked me to bring it up.” She makes a puppy face. “He didn’t want to disturb you when you’re getting ready.”

I take the white card with the silver edge, mumbling what I hope sounds like an enthusiastic, “Thank you.”

Saverio’s familiar handwriting runs in deep grooves over the paper.

I’ll make it good.

It’s a solemn oath, a simple promise he makes to take the bitter sting out of the vows we’ll make later.

“That’s so sweet of him,” Tersia gushes as she leans over my shoulder to read the note.

“Is it from Sav?” Livy asks with a swoony expression.

“The one and only,” Tersia says.

“Are you hungry?” I ask, not wanting to talk about my husband-to-be any longer. “Why don’t you grab something to eat while I go put on some clothes?”

“I brought powder with a soft glitter to brush over your shoulders,” Livy says, jumping to her feet. “I’ll go get it from my bag.”

“Oh, look.” Tersia waltzes to the table. “Champagne.” She lifts the bottle from the ice bucket. “Bubbles without the alcohol. My, but that man is considerate. What aboutthe ex-wife? Is she going to be there?” She rolls her eyes. “God, I hope so. I’d love to practice my mean skills.”

Livy snickers. “I’ll team up with you.”

“The two of you are terrible.” I say. “You’re even worse together.”

Tersia bats her eyelashes. “We’re team Anya.”

“So?” Livy says. “Isshe going to be there?”

“Luigi’s whole family will be there.”

“Why?” Tersia asks, making a face.

Livy jabs her in the ribs. “He’s like family. Go on, Anya.”

“Rachele declined. Her new husband has an exhibition today.”

“Is she really not pregnant?” Tersia asks, making big eyes.

“Apparently not,” I say. “I think she just wanted a reaction from Saverio.”

“Well, I’m glad she won’t be there,” Livy says with a lift of her chin. “You don’t need that kind of drama on your wedding day.” She looks at her watch. “Oops. Look at the time. We better get a move on or else you’ll be late.”

Tersia shoos Livy out. “You go get the glitter. I’ll pour the champagne.”

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