Chapter Three
Adriana
The bell chimes as we step into Bella’s Bridal, a cacophony of voices and rustling fabric assaulting my senses. My heart pounds against my ribs, each beat a reminder of the life I’m leaving behind.
“Adriana, darling!” A saleswoman swoops down on us, her saccharine smile barely concealing her hunger for commission. “Welcome to your special day!”
I force a weak smile, my stomach twisting. “Thank you.”
Mother squeezes my arm. “Isn’t this exciting?”
I nod, not trusting my voice. Brides-to-be flutter about like butterflies caught in a jar, their entourages cooing and fawning. I envy their genuine joy.
Valentina links her arm through mine. “You okay, Adri?”
“I—” The words catch in my throat as I take in the endless rows of white fabric. Each dress represents a future I never chose. My breath comes faster, panic clawing at my chest.
“Hey.” Valentina’s voice cuts through the fog. “Look at me.”
I meet her gaze, finding an anchor in her warm brown eyes.
“You’ve got this,” she says firmly. “Remember who you are. The girl who creates worlds with her pen, who brings characters to life. That strength is still in you.”
“But this is different,” I argue.
Valentina squeezes my hand. “You are brave. You can do this.”
Her words settle over me like a warm blanket. For a moment, I let myself believe them. Maybe I can do this. I may not have chosen this path, but I can choose how I walk it.
I straighten my shoulders and give Valentina a small smile. “Okay. Let’s do this.”
I turn toward the saleswoman and meet her expectant gaze. “Show me your best dresses,” I say, injecting steel into my voice. “Something unexpected.”
We follow the saleswoman deeper into the boutique. I run my fingers along the dresses, feeling the textures beneath my skin. Silk, satin, lace - each one a promise of a future I never imagined. The white fabric feels cold, unforgiving. Like Dante’s eyes when he looked at me that first time.
I pause at a pretty sheath dress.
“What about this one?” I mumble, more to myself than anyone else.
Valentina appears at my side, her eyes sparkling. “Ooh, that’s pretty.”
My mother’s voice cuts in, sharp with disapproval. “Too plain, Adriana. You need something grander for a Rossi bride.”
I flinch at the word “bride,” my stomach twisting. Valentina shoots me a concerned look, but I force a smile.
“You’re right, Mama,” I say, hating the lie on my tongue. “Something… grander.”
As we continue browsing, my thoughts drift to my latest webtoon chapter—a fierce heroine facing impossible odds. What would she do in my place?
“Oh, Adriana, look at this one!” My mother’s excited cry snaps me back to reality. She’s holding up a massive ballgown, dripping with crystals and lace.
I struggle to keep the horror from my face. “It’s… certainly grand.”
Valentina stifles a laugh, quickly turning it into a cough. “Maybe we should try on a few different styles?” she suggests diplomatically.
Before I can protest, they’re piling dresses into my arms, herding me towards the dressing room. The weight of fabric feels suffocating.
“You don’t have to decide today,” Valentina says as she helps me inside. “Remember, you’re in control.”
I nod, grateful for her presence. Once the dressing room door closes, I take a deep breath, steeling myself for what’s to come.
I slip into the first dress, a cloud of white satin and tulle. The fabric rustles as I turn, catching sight of myself in the mirror. I gasp.
The woman reflected back at me looks… ethereal. Delicate lace adorns my shoulders, cascading down to a fitted bodice that flares into a sweeping skirt. It’s beautiful, objectively. But as I stare, a chill creeps down my spine.
This isn’t me. This isn’t my dream. I’ve always wanted to get married at some point in my life but to the man I love. Not like this.
I close my eyes, willing away the panic rising in my chest. When I open them, I force myself to focus on details—the intricate beadwork, the way the dress hugs my curves. Anything to distract from the bigger picture.
“Adri? You okay in there?” My mother’s voice filters through the door.
I swallow hard. “Yeah, just… adjusting.” My voice sounds distant, even to my own ears.
Taking a deep breath, I unlock the door and step out.
Valentina’s face lights up, her hands clasping together. “Oh, Adri! You look—”
“Stunning,” my mother finishes, her eyes glistening with tears.
I force a smile, my heart pounding. “You think so?”
Valentina nods enthusiastically. “Absolutely. You’re going to take Dante’s breath away.”
At the mention of his name, my stomach churns. I turn back to the mirror, trying to see what they see. The dress fits my body perfectly, the delicate lace detailing catching the light. But all I can focus on is the tightness in my chest, the way the high neckline feels like it’s choking me.
“It’s beautiful,” I manage to say, “But maybe we should try the others, just to be sure?”
Valentina catches my eye in the mirror, her brow furrowing slightly. She knows me too well. “Of course,” she says lightly. “We’ve got plenty more options to explore.”
I retreat back into the dressing room and slide out of the dress, my fingers trembling as I hang it back on its hanger. The weight of my father’s expectations presses down on me, threatening to suffocate me. I close my eyes, inhaling deeply.
I can do this. I have to.
I open my eyes and grab another dress from the rack. I pull it on, the fabric whispering against my skin.
My heart races as I face the mirror. The gown is a masterpiece of contradiction – classic lines with unexpected cutouts, delicate lace over daring sheer panels. It’s elegant, yet there’s an edge of defiance in its design. Like me.
“What do you guys think? I ask as I step out of the changing room once again.
Valentina turns, her eyes widening. “Adri, you look… gorgeous. Absolutely gorgeous.”
I spin slowly, feeling the dress move with me.
“You look beautiful cara,” My mother nods enthusiastically.
I can’t help the small smile that tugs at my lips. For the first time since this nightmare began, I feel like myself.
“It’s perfect,” I say softly, running my hands over the intricate beadwork. " It makes me feel like me. This is the one.”
Valentina grins, grabbing a delicate veil from a nearby rack. “Now, let’s see how we can jazz this up even more.”
She drapes the veil over my head, adjusting it carefully. “Perfect.”
Smiling, I look at my mother for support. “Indeed. This is your dress.”
The bridal consultant clears her throat softly. “Shall we discuss the purchase, then?”
I hesitate for a split second but harden my resolve.
“Yes,” I say firmly.
The saleswoman beams. “Excellent choice, Ms. Moretti. Your fiancé will be stunned.”
I think of Dante’s cold eyes, his cunning gaze.
“That’s the plan,” I reply, picturing his face when he sees me walking down that aisle.
Let him think he’s won. I may be a pawn in this game, but I refuse to be a helpless one.