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Alexandra's POV

Everything was already arranged. The venue, the guests, the flowers, the decorations-things I had no say in. The only thing left was the dress. And even that wasn't really up to me. Aaron's father had already taken care of the makeup artist.

I felt numb. My mind kept circling the same thought-running away. Disappearing. But what was the point? He would find me. That was inevitable.

"ALEXANDRA! GET DOWN HERE!"

My father's voice boomed through the house, shaking me from my thoughts. I quickly scrambled to my feet and hurried downstairs, keeping my head low, not wanting to set him off any further.

He stood in the living room, arms crossed, an irritated look on his face.

"You have to go wedding dress shopping. A car is waiting outside."

Alone?

Well, of course. It's not like I had anyone to go with.

"You're going with Aaron's mother. Now leave."

I hesitated for a moment, surprised. His mother? I had barely spoken to her.

But there was no time to question it. I turned on my heel, rushed upstairs, pulled on a pair of jeans and a sweater, slipped into my sneakers, and darted outside to the waiting car.

As soon as I slid into the plush leather seat, I was greeted by an overly cheerful voice.

"Hello, dear! I'm so excited!"

I forced a smile, pretending to match her enthusiasm.

"Yes, ma'am, this is very exciting," I lied smoothly.

"Oh, please! Call me Evelyn," she beamed, waving a hand dismissively.

Evelyn. That was her name. Strange how I hadn't even known it until now.

The car pulled away from the curb, and Evelyn continued chatting.

"I booked the entire boutique for us," she announced proudly.

What?

Why did we need the whole store to ourselves? That seemed excessive.

I stayed silent as we drove, only nodding occasionally as Evelyn reminisced about her own wedding day. I knew she was trying to make me feel included, but I felt disconnected, like an outsider watching a scene I had no part in.

After a short drive, the car came to a smooth stop in front of an extravagant boutique. Through the large glass windows, I could see shimmering white gowns displayed elegantly on mannequins, their price tags probably enough to pay my rent for a year.

We stepped inside, the scent of fresh flowers and expensive perfume filling the air. A well-dressed woman approached us, her bright red lipstick curving into a welcoming smile.

"Welcome! You must be Mrs. Night?"

"Yes, that's me! Please show us the best dresses you have," Evelyn said excitedly.

I froze.

The best?

The cheapest dress here probably cost more than everything I owned.

As if sensing my hesitation, Evelyn gently squeezed my hand. "Don't worry about anything, dear. Today is about making you feel special."

Special. That word felt foreign to me.

A few minutes later, the boutique assistant returned, holding a gown so extravagant it looked like something out of a fairy tale. It was covered in delicate lace and intricate beadwork, shimmering under the soft lighting. But it revealed too much skin for my liking.