Chapter 9

The car came to a smooth stop in front of an elegant bridal boutique with tall glass windows and fresh white flowers decorating the entrance. I stared at the building for a few seconds before turning to Eleanor. "This place looks expensive." Eleanor smiled warmly. "It is, but don't let that scare you. Today is about finding the dress that makes you feel like yourself." I nodded, though my hands were already beginning to sweat. The moment we stepped inside, several assistants greeted Eleanor with bright smiles, clearly recognizing her. "Mrs. Brooks, welcome back," one of them said politely. "We've prepared everything just as you requested." Eleanor thanked them before gently placing a hand on my shoulder. "This is Miss Aria Bennett. She'll be choosing her wedding dress today." Every pair of eyes turned toward me. I forced a polite smile, suddenly feeling self-conscious.

One of the assistants led us into a large fitting room while another rolled in a rack filled with beautiful wedding gowns. There were dresses covered in sparkling crystals, elegant satin gowns, and designs so elaborate they looked like they belonged in fairy tales. I couldn't stop staring. "I've never seen so many beautiful dresses before," I admitted quietly. Eleanor smiled. "That's why we're here. There's no rush. Try on as many as you like until one feels right." I looked at the first dress they handed me. It was breathtaking, but it didn't feel like me. "Let's start with this one," the assistant suggested. A few minutes later, I stepped out of the fitting room. Eleanor smiled politely, but I could tell from her expression that she wasn't convinced. I looked at myself in the mirror and immediately shook my head. "It's beautiful... but I don't think it's me." Eleanor nodded. "I agree. It's wearing you instead of you wearing it."

The second dress was even grander than the first, with layers of lace and shimmering embroidery. As soon as I looked in the mirror, I laughed softly. "I feel like I can barely move." Even Eleanor couldn't hide her laughter. "Then it's definitely not the one." The assistants quickly helped me change again. Dress after dress came and went, yet none of them felt right. Some were too glamorous, while others felt too heavy. After nearly an hour, I began to wonder if finding the perfect dress was impossible. "Maybe I'm just not meant for dresses like these," I said with a small sigh. Eleanor shook her head immediately. "Don't say that. The perfect dress isn't always the most expensive one. Sometimes it's the simplest."

She walked toward another rack and carefully pulled out a gown that had been hidden behind the others. It was made of smooth ivory satin with delicate lace sleeves and a graceful flowing skirt. There were no heavy crystals or dramatic decorations. It was elegant without trying too hard. Eleanor smiled as she handed it to me. "Try this one."

I disappeared into the fitting room once again.

A few minutes later, I slowly stepped out.

The room fell completely silent.

Every assistant stopped what they were doing.

Eleanor's eyes widened.

I looked nervously from one face to another.

"Is... is something wrong?"

Eleanor slowly walked toward me with a smile that reached her eyes.

"No, my dear."

She gently adjusted the veil resting on my shoulders.

"I think we just found your dress."

For the first time since arriving, I looked at myself in the mirror without searching for something to criticize.

The woman staring back at me looked... happy.

For a brief moment, I almost forgot that this marriage had started as an agreement.

Almost.

I stood in front of the mirror, unable to look away from my reflection. The ivory gown fit me perfectly, hugging my figure before flowing gently to the floor. It wasn't covered in sparkling stones or heavy lace, yet it was the most beautiful dress I had ever seen. For the first time since agreeing to marry Dante, I smiled without forcing it. Eleanor walked over and adjusted the veil resting on my shoulders before taking a step back with satisfaction. "This is the one," she said confidently. "You don't need to try on another dress." The assistants nodded in agreement, smiling as they admired the final choice. I felt my cheeks grow warm. "Thank you," I said softly. "I never imagined I'd wear something this beautiful." Eleanor chuckled before taking out her phone. "Don't move." Before I could ask why, she snapped a picture of me. "Perfect," she said, sending the photo to Dante with a short message: She found her dress.

At the Moretti Group headquarters, Dante's phone vibrated during an important meeting. He glanced at the screen and immediately opened the message. The moment he saw Aria standing in the wedding gown, the serious expression on his face softened. His trusted assistant, Luca, noticed the small smile that appeared on his boss's lips and couldn't help teasing him. "Boss, I've worked with you for years, and this is the first time I've seen you smile because of a woman." Dante calmly locked his phone and looked up. "Focus on the meeting." Luca raised both hands in surrender, but the smile on his face remained. It was obvious to everyone in the room that Aria was becoming more than just a contract fiancée.

After the final measurements were taken, Eleanor completed the paperwork, and the boutique staff carefully packed the dress for later delivery. We thanked everyone before walking outside to where the car was waiting. As I reached the entrance, a strange feeling washed over me, as if someone nearby was watching my every move. I slowly looked across the street and noticed a black SUV parked beneath a large tree. Its dark windows hid whoever was inside. Before I could take a closer look, the vehicle quietly drove away. I frowned for a moment before getting into the car, convincing myself I was only imagining things.