Page 91 of The Reluctant Wife

The lace design includes lily and sunflower motifs, representing the national flowers of my country. The low-draped front neckline adds a touch of modernity. The classic, structured A-line silhouette, with a full skirt that elegantly flares from the waist, gives a regal, timeless shape, and is made of layers of soft tulle and underskirts.

The train is modest, by Royal standards, and I’m thankful for that because it already feels too heavy on my shoulders. In addition, a silk tulle veil is fastened to the tiara which belonged to my mother. It's a mix of ethereal and traditional, and I feel like my mother is here with me, in person, today.

"The dress belonged to my mother. Karma West Sovrano’s seamstress tailored it to my measurements.” I’m also wearing my mother’s earrings. I’ve never felt closer to her.

The last three days went by in a rush of procession and ceremony rehearsals. Ryot was involved in security rehearsals. It means, I didn’t see him outside of the wedding rehearsal. Even that was with the rest of the wedding planning and security teams in attendance, so there was barely any time to talk.

Except for the way his eyes flared when I walked down the aisle toward him, and the way he looked into my eyes when we rehearsed our vows—not to mention, how thoroughly he kissed me during the rehearsal—told me he missed me every bit as much as I did him. It’s what has kept me going.

My PR manager conducted public and media rehearsals, coordinating logistics and coverage points with the press that arrived from around the world.

She's kept me posted on the arrangements, and if I fold in the online coverage to be generated and the number of satellite TV stations covering the event, it just might mean that my agreeing to marry Ryot is worth it.You would've married him anyway, remember?I push the thought aside. We both agreed we’d get what we want from this association. And then we’ll move on.But what you want is to NOT move on.

My phone buzzes. I glance at where I placed it on the table next to me. Ideally, I shouldn’t have sat down for fear of creasing my dress, but I need to save my energy for the day ahead. Besides, my feet in the stilettos were already killing me, and I needed to take my weight off them, so I decided to sit. I pull up my phone and read the message.

Viktor: Landed this morning from my tour. So, sorry couldn’t be at the rehearsal, Aura, but I’m at the church and waiting for you.

Me: OMG, I’m so excited to see you.

Viktor: I feel so guilty I was gone so long.

Viktor: I should have asked you this earlier, but you weren’t coerced into this wedding, were you?

Me: No, this is what I want.

Viktor: The news of your marriage came so suddenly. I wish I'd been here to help you navigate the intricacies that came with it.

Me: "You’re here now. That’s what matters."

Viktor: You are going to be amazing, cara mia.

Our mother encouraged us to speak in Italian to her. Viktor and I kept up that tradition after she passed, and often useItalian words in our conversations. It’s another thing we have in common. Unlike Brandon, who never picked up enough Italian to be conversant in the language. He also messaged me separately to wish me well and apologize for not being at the wedding.

I was disappointed, but not surprised. Given the bad blood between him and my father, as well as the fact that he and Viktor don’t always see eye to eye, I knew it would create a strained atmosphere if he'd decided to come.

My phone dings again, and I check the message.

Ryot: Are you okay? Soon, this will all be over, and you can relax. Just a few more hours, Empress.

For some reason, that brings tears to my eyes. Jeez, I’m more emotional than usual today. I suppose, it’s allowed. I’ve always had to be strong, but when I’m with him, I feel I can lean on him. It’s almost as if he knew I needed a pick-me-up and messaged me.

"He messaged you, didn’t he?" Zoey asks softly.

I nod. "Is it that obvious?"

She smiles. "You get a certain look in your eyes whenever he’s around or his name is mentioned."

"Do I?" I chuckle. "I didn’t realize I was that transparent."

"It’s okay to let your feelings show. Especially today."

I look at her gratefully, once again, feeling the emotions well up.

"Oh no, don’t cry. You don’t want to spoil your make up, do you?"

I shake my head and sniffle. "Thanks, Z, you’re a really good friend."

"You bet." She grins widely.

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