Chapter 16— Blushes and Blue Silks

Diana's POV

"Come on are you sure this is going to be okay?"

"Excuse you, Diana, but this gown-" Ciara made a clicking sound with her tongue while staring at me from head to toe. "Is an eyesore; everyone is going to love you, Diana."

"Everyone?" I scoffed "I doubt that Ciara, no one loves me, I doubt anyone would be there at the wedding"

I stood, gazing at my reflection in the mirror at the fashion house.

"Are you having second thoughts?" Raphael asked, almost whispering, his warm breath tickling my neck.

"When did you get here?" I asked, surprise evident in my tone.

"Not too long ago,"

"Shouldn't you be somewhere? At work? Anywhere that isn't here?"

"Come on Diana, can't I come take a sneak peek at my bride"

"Hey, slow down; we haven't even signed the papers yet."

Raphael opened his briefcase, brought out a set of paper, and flashed them before my eyes. "You can sign this when you are done with your fitting and, more importantly, when I have had a good look at you."

Raphael took three steps behind, "damn Diana, I never knew you were this beautiful"

My cheeks turned red immediately.

I turned back facing the wall, away from the mirror.

I couldn't afford to blush. But I already did.

Medicine after poison.

This was just à contract marriage; why would I blush at his compliments?

"Are you hiding your red cheeks from me?" Raphael chuckled

"My cheeks are not red" I shot at him

He laughed out loud.

That was when I knew that I had messed up.

The way I replied only made it more convincing that I was blushing.

'Damn you, Diana, Damn you'

"Come on you don't have to hide your cheeks from your husband." Ciara teased.

I shot her an icy glare.

"Please, could you say that a bit louder so she can hear, putting more emphasis on the husband?" Raphael chuckled

He seemed very happy about this contract marriage; if I didn't know him, I would have said he was in love with me.

But could he be?

No, he couldn't be in love with me; there's no way, he has known me for how long now? One week? Two weeks?

Was it love at first sight?

Who still believes In love at first sight?

All those questions kept running through my head.

"So what colour are you going to pick now?" Ciara asked.

"I Don't know, everything is just so beautiful ànd expensive "

"Expensive!" Raphael’s eyes widened "Have you forgotten whose son and grandson I am? Besides, I could buy the whole fashion house, and It still wouldn't feel like I spent money." Raphael bragged.

I smiled.

Ignoring him, I turned to Ciara, asking her if I should go with the dress I was wearing.

I had tried several others before Raphael came and they all looked very nice on me.

When we talked about picking a wedding dress, I wanted to go for something simple and stylish but Raphael insisted we go with something extravagant and stylish.

It was part of the process of taunting the Lorenzos. At first, I disagreed as I felt it might make them think I was agreeing to the marriage because of the money, but Raphael kept insisting we go for the extravagant and luxurious dress.

"I think this is better," Ciara said

"It matches your eyes", Raphael blurted out.

My cheeks almost became pink again, but I contained it.

He has to stop complimenting me like this or else I might just assume he's marrying me because he loves me.

I stood facing the mirror.

The dress was a dream spun from midnight and stardust. A profound sapphire blue, vibrant and radiant, as though it had been crafted from the true essence of the nocturnal sky.

I extended my hand, my fingers gliding over the detailed silver stitching that twisted around the corset bodice like fine tendrils, every curve shimmering beneath the gentle light of the chandelier.

Small crystals and pearls were strewn over the fabric, reflecting the light in a manner that made them appear as if fallen stars were lying upon the silk.

The sweetheart neckline elegantly highlighted the bodice, and the delicate off-the-shoulder sleeves were truly enchanting—gossamer tulle embellished with beadwork so exquisite it appeared as if frost had caressed the material.

It was majestic, sophisticated, and completely stunning.

My gaze drifted down, observing how the dress hugged the waist before flowing into a lavish ballgown skirt. Stacks of glimmering tulle and silk organza glided with a seemingly weightless elegance, each movement hinting at a delicate shine, akin to waves on a lake under the moonlight. The train flowed backwards in a grand cathedral-like length, adorned with silver filigree lace so detailed it resembled a relic of lost nobility.

However, the ultimate detail—the aspect that caused my breath to genuinely stop—was the delicate cape, secured at the shoulders with clasps adorned with crystals.

It cascaded like fluid illumination, trailing behind the gown as though crafted from fog and enchantment.

For a brief instant, I just remained there, captivated. It was more than merely a dress. It was a declaration. A notion of strength, grace, and sophistication encased in deep blue.

As I pictured myself in it, I was certain of one thing—anyone in this dress wouldn't merely enter a room. They would possess it.

I turned to look at them once more.

"Guys, are you sure this is okay?"

"Don't you like it?" Ciara asked, folding her arms.

"I love it; it's a well-detailed and neat dress that exudes elegance, wealth and power."

"That exactly is how I want my bride to look like," Raphael said with a big smile on his face.

"Okay, I will go with this then."

I signaled to the shopkeeper to come over.

"Please, could you wrap this for me? I will be going with this."

"I am so glad you made the right decision; this is our best wedding dress; we've had only one person in the whole wide world who has been able to afford it."

My jaw dropped down In amazement.

One person, is she kidding me?

Was this dress that expensive?

Before I could protest against it, Raphael gave his card to the shopkeeper to pay for the dress.

"You don't have to do this, Raphael; she said it's the most expensive; I can't begin to imagine the amount because I don't want to collapse."

Raphael chuckled

"I told you, I want my bride to exude elegance on our wedding day, and if this is going to make you look elegant, then the amount is nothing", he smiled.

I blushed.

"You did it again?" Ciara exclaimed pointing to my face.

"Why's your face so red?" Raphael asked, a wide grin appearing on his face.

I turned feeling embarrassed.

We headed back home, and I was silent all through the drive; Ciara was in the backseat; she tried several times to start a conversation, but I ignored her.

We alighted at Ciara's home.

Raphael waved me goodbye but I didn't look at him as I was still embarrassed by what happened earlier.