Page 22 of The Devil's Demise

“Brianne,” I call.

The door instantly opens. “Oh my,” she gushes, her gaze taking me in. “That looks like it’s been made for you.”

She helps secure the corset back, tightening it to give me an hourglass shape.

“I really think this is the one.”

“Me too,” she says from behind me.

“Could you tell me how much it is?”

“Oh . . .” She waves a dismissive hand. “Mr. Cavaleri informed me not to tell you.”

“It’s okay.” I turn to her. “I won’t tell him you told me.”

“I don’t know. He was very specific.” Her fingers go to her side bun, all the blonde hair perfectly coiled, not a single hair out of place.

“It’ll be between us.” I don a smile, hoping she tells me.

“Okay. But you didn’t hear it from me.”

“Got it.” I tighten my lips for effect.

“It’s twelve.”

“Twelve hundred?” That’s definitely reasonable.

“No,” she laughs. “Twelve thousand.”

“Oh my God.” My brows fly up. “There’s no way I can get this.”

“It’s up to you.” Her lips thin into a smile, a thick eyebrow bowing. “But it’d be a shame for him not to see you in it, especially when he insisted that I not let you out of this store until you’re happy. And from the looks of it, this dress? Makes you very happy.”

I huff out defeatedly, staring at myself once again. It is pretty and he can easily afford it ... but still.

“How about we go show your friends and see what they think?”

“Okay.” I follow her out, my heart racing, strutting in my three-inch heels, feeling like a million bucks.

Chiara’s mouth drops as soon as she sees me. “Holy. Fucking. Shit.”

“Wow,” Jade breathes, just as Aida’s eyes glaze over.

“You look so beautiful.” She sniffles.

Chiara’s eyes glaze over. “Forget my dress, this is the one you have to wear.”

* * *

I stare at myself, my palms running down the floral lace grazing against my fingertips. A matching veil hits my shoulders, my face beaming. I’m internally counting down the seconds until he sees me.

“I can’t get enough of how gorgeous you look!” Aida gushes, wiping away a tear. “I promised I wouldn’t cry, but I can’t help myself.”

She leans into my side, her dusty-rose strappy dress looking stunning on her. I wrap her in my arm, pulling her close. “I’m so happy you and Matteo are able to join us.”

“We wouldn’t miss it for the world.”

“Mom!” Robby calls, running into the room, looking for Jade. “Daddy said to get the rings from you now.” Chiara finishes fluffing my dress as we turn to him, excitement riddling his face. He takes his ring bearer duties very seriously.

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