Chapter 34 – Sienna
SIENNA
Carmella’s fussing with the train of my dress when I notice a box on the vanity.
It's small, white leather with a gold clasp, and I know for sure it wasn't there when I sat down for my hair.
Glancing around, I expect one of the stylists to be waiting for my reaction, but everyone’s just milling around, doing their own thing. One girl is steaming my veil in the bathroom, and Rebecca’s pouring champagne.
Carefully, I pick it up, somehow already knowing who it's from.
Nestled against ivory silk, is a note. No gift. He wouldn’t waste money on me, just his handwriting, small, angry slashes on an elegant card.
Remember what I am capable of and conduct yourself accordingly. Discretion and knowing your place are the only things that will keep you alive.
No signature. None needed.
I read it twice, then fold it carefully with trembling fingers before tucking it into the hidden pocket of my dress, the one I insisted on having sewn in, because every girl needs pockets. Especially when you can’t carry a purse.
Smoothing down the front of my dress, I check my reflection, and when Carmella returns, flustered and pink-cheeked with my missing bouquet finally located, I hug her like nothing in the world could ruin this day.
But as I stare at my brittle smile in the mirror, the stark reality that Alfonso Calvano is never going to leave me alone, or let me and Luca be happy, settles over me.
He’ll be a permanent fixture in our lives, always lurking somewhere in the shadows.
“You ready to face them?” Rebecca asks.
She’s talking about more than walking down the aisle.
I nod. “Yes. I think I am.”
I’d walk through fire to marry Luca.
And that might be exactly what I’m about to do.