登入Sapphire’s POV‘Satisfied’ is the word to use.I stared at myself in the mirror, carefully paying attention to my curves and the delicate stitches on the gown. For once, I was not staring at myself through someone else’s lens and wondering what they thought about me.It was a white illusion gown. Alessandro had only seen it on the rack but not on me and I intended to keep it that way. “I’m taking this.” I announced, turning to the sales attendant and the manager. They quickly walked up to my side helping me get out of the gown.Ten minutes later, I was back in my tailored pants and shirt. Grace carefully zipped the Donna gown into the garment bag, sealed it and handed it to Alessandro’s men, who carried it straight to the car. When I stepped out of the fitting room, Alessandro was already standing close to the glass doors, dropping a thick stack of bills onto the counter for the staff before sliding his phone into his jacket pocket.He pushed the door open for me, his hand rested a
Sapphire’s POVWalking side by side with Alessandro has taught me that all I ever needed was an ally and probably someone to stand by me. Maybe I didn’t really need anyone, but yes I wouldn’t have been able to survive my deceitful stepfather or sister without the help of a powerful man like Alessandro. Nothing has ever made sense to me while living under Giovanni's roof but everything is coming together now. “Ma’am, would you like to try the Valentino wedding dress?” The sales attendant at the shop asked, staring at me intensely.Since I walked into the shop with Alessandro, I’ve been getting all sorts of curious gazes from them and I could perceive that it was mainly because Alessandro had the entire place shut down.Apparently marrying a King came with a lot of theatrics. I could get used to this or not.I would have gone with something customized, but it is too short a time to start booking an appointment with a designer, let alone wait for an entire gown to be made. I peeped a
Alessandro’s POVSophia’s silk sleeves brushed my arm, her perfume was so strong it made the back of my throat itch.“He’s just taking her down to talk about the family business, Alessandro,” She purred. Then she stepped in front of me, blocking my view of the side corridor where Astor had just pulled Sapphire away.I didn't step back and I made sure to ignore her gaze. My eyes were fixed on the hallway where Sapphire’s shadow had just vanished into.Sophia rested a manicured hand against my chest, her fingers sliding slowly toward my lapel. When I finally got a glimpse of her stare, all I could see was the hunger in them. “You don't actually want *her*, do you?” she whispered. “Sapphire doesn't know how to stand beside a man like you. She’s frightened of her own shadow. But I know how this city works. I know how to hold a room at your side.”I took one slow, deliberate breath, letting the silence stretch between us until her fake smile began to strain at the edges.Then, I reached u
sapphire’s POVThe cold wood frame cut straight through my coat as my shoulder hit the wall.Astor pushed me inside and stepped in after me. He didn’t lock the door. Twenty-one years of fear had already taught me to stay exactly where I was.I didn't reach up to touch my aching collarbone. I just smoothed down the front of my burgundy dress, keeping my fingers from shaking.The air in the room was heavy, smelling of old cigar smoke, sour whiskey, and dusty leather books.“You think you’re clever, don't you?” Astor rasped.He didn't take off his coat. He marched straight behind his mahogany desk, slamming both hands flat against the dark wood. A thin layer of sweat covered his forehead, making the gray hairs along his hairline stick to his skin.I stood in the center of the Persian rug, resting my hands loosely in front of my waist.“Am I doing something wrong, Papa?” I asked softly.“Don't play dumb with me, Sapphire!” He slammed his fist down. The heavy glass ink bottle shook on the
Sapphire’s POVThe iron gates of the Giovanni estate creaked loudly as our black car rolled up the long driveway.I looked out the tinted window at the sprawling stone mansion. I wore a sharply tailored burgundy dress that reached just below my knees, paired with a fitted black coat. My brown hair was styled in soft, elegant waves falling over my shoulders.I looked like a Giovanni heir.Alessandro sat beside me, adjusting his silver cufflinks. He didn't offer empty words of encouragement. He simply reached over, brushing his knuckles lightly against mine.“Ready?” he asked, his deep voice grounded and calm.“Ready,” I said, taking a slow, deep breath and letting it out.The driver opened the door, and Alessandro stepped out first, extending a hand to help me down onto the damp gravel. I placed my hand in his, holding my head high as we walked up the wide marble steps toward the grand entrance.The front doors were already open. Astor stood in the foyer, wearing an expensive velvet s
Sapphire’s POV Sapphire’s POV The door to the east wing corridor shut behind Astor and Matteo, leaving the grand foyer completely silent. The moment their footsteps faded into the distance, my back went slack. The rigid, artificial posture of the timid little girl vanished, leaving my limbs feeling heavy and cold. I turned around slowly, walking back toward the fireplace. My knees felt like water. I sank onto the edge of the velvet sofa, pulling my legs up against my chest and wrapping my arms tightly around my knees. Playing the dutiful, pathetic daughter didn't hurt because I missed Astor. It didn't hurt because I wanted his love. It hurt because of how easy it was. For twenty-one years, submission had been my natural language. Lowering my head, trembling on command, saying *“Yes, Papa”* and shrinking into the corners of the room was a habit carved so deep into my bones that stepping back into it felt like slipping into a pair of worn-out shoes. It was terrifying how qui
Sapphire’s POVThe door closed behind Sophia.I stood there hoping that maybe all these was just big joke.My feet was rooted to the marble floor, they refused to move, it felt like I had forgotten how to.I feel Alessandro’s eyes on me. “You look surprised.” He said still watching me.I swallowed.
Sapphire’s POVThe envelope burned in my palms as we piled into the long driveway of Alessandro’s estate.Sophia pressed her hands against mine “stay calm,” she muttered beside me. “We are just going in for dinner.” She said as her heels clicked on the marble floor.“Just” I muttered to myself, I w
Sapphire’s POVI blinked Again Again and again… I blinked until the words stopped echoing in my head. My ears were working just fine but my insides seems to be in a twist, doubting the words papa had said. “The both of you need to decide who would end up with Alessandro.” The words echoed again a
Sapphire’s POVI can swear it but that would be a little bit too extreme, but yes I can tell the universe came together to rip my family off its glory. I stare deeply at my reflection in the mirror, my skin looks really pale and my collarbones have never been this visible until now. I can easily s







