Page 28 of Ruins
As Cassandra zips me in, my gaze flickers to the mirror.
And for a moment—just a moment—I hesitate.
Because I almost don’t recognize the woman staring back at me.
She looks ready.
I do not.
Then—
Click.
The sound is quiet, but unmistakable.
My head snaps toward Cassandra just as she lowers her phone.
She doesn’t look the least bit apologetic. “Photos for Santo,” she says smoothly, fingers dancing across the screen. “He’ll want to see you in the dress, even if he pretends he doesn’t.”
Her words settle in my chest like a stone.
I don’tknowhim.
But already, he’sseeingme before I ever see him.
Cassandra tucks the phone between her breasts and gestures for me to follow. Her voice washes over me in an effortless stream of dress specifications—details I barely register as we step out of the dressing room.
Mimi and my mother are waiting.
I step onto the podium, my heart hammering in my chest as their eyes land on me.
Mimi’s smile bursts across her face. “You look gorgeous!” she exclaims, eyes shining with admiration.
Relief flutters through me, but I turn to my mother hesitantly.
“Mama? What do you think?”
She scrutinizes me for a long second before offering an approving smile. “It’s beautiful.”
Relief floods through me.
Then, I shift slightly—just enough to meet Pietro’s gaze.
His mouth is slightly ajar, his eyes dragging over me as if he doesn’t quite believe what he’s seeing.
He blinks. Once. Twice. Then clears his throat and gives me a sharp, almost forced nod.
Cassandra has been watching the exchange silently.
But I don’t miss the way her eyes flick to Pietro. How her expression sharpens—just slightly—before she turns back to me, her smile never faltering.
“Ready for dress number two?” she asks brightly.
I nod, stepping off the podium.
She leads me back to the dressing room, closing the door behind us.
I barely have time to brace myself before she’s unzipping the gown.
