Arias’s POV

The boutique was huge. Like, the kind of fancy place you only saw in those wedding reality shows where brides freaked out over dresses and had dramatic breakdowns because their moms didn’t like the one they picked. It smelled like flowers and expensive perfume, and the lighting was all soft and golden, making everything look like it belonged in a fairy tale.

I, however, felt like a total outsider.

While other girls twirled in front of massive mirrors, looking all giddy and in love with their wedding dresses, I stood near the entrance, arms crossed tightly over my chest. My black blouse and jeans felt completely out of place in a sea of white lace and silk. I hated being around people. I hated weddings. And most of all, I hated that I had to be here, pretending like I cared about any of this.

“Aria! Come help me pick one!”

Cassandra’s voice rang through the boutique like a bell, sweet and excited. I turned and saw her standing on one of those little podiums, spinning in a light blue gown that swished around her like water. She looked like a princess, of course. She always did.

Our mom stood beside her, practically glowing with pride. “Oh, Cassandra, you look breathtaking,” she gushed, her hands clasped together. “Absolutely radiant. Just like a princess.”

I bit my lip, already bracing myself for what was coming.

Cassandra turned to me, eyes shining. “Well? What do you think?”

I forced a polite smile. “You look beautiful, Cass.”

And I meant it. She did look beautiful. With her golden hair and perfect honey-colored eyes, she was made for moments like this. Meanwhile, I was just the extra in the background, the shadow no one ever really noticed.

“You could at least sound like you mean it,” our mother muttered, just loud enough for me to hear.

My hands clenched into fists, but I kept my mouth shut. There was no point in arguing. Not today.

I wandered away, letting my fingers trail along the lace of a nearby dress. The material was soft under my touch, delicate and intricate. I wished I could just disappear into the fabric, vanish from this whole situation.

Then, the bell over the door chimed.

And I felt my stomach drop.

It’s like I knew what was coming before I even turned around.

Victor Castillo had arrived.

He strolled in like he owned the entire store, his polished shoes clicking against the marble floor. He had that same smug smirk on his face, like he was the most important person in the room. My hands curled tighter. I hated that smirk. I hated everything about him.

“Ladies,” he greeted, walking straight over to our mother and Cassandra. “I just had to come see how my beautiful stepdaughter was doing.”

Stepdaughter.

I wanted to gag.

Our mother, of course, practically melted at his words. “Victor, how sweet of you to check on us.”

His eyes flicked to me, and I felt my entire body stiffen. There was something dark in his gaze, something that made my skin crawl. He knew exactly what he was doing.

“You’re awfully quiet today, Aria,” he murmured, just loud enough for me to hear. “Not excited about the wedding?”

I swallowed hard, forcing my face to stay neutral. “I just don’t like shopping.”

Victor’s smirk widened. He stepped closer, his hand brushing against my arm—just a light touch, barely even there, but it was enough to send a shiver down my spine.

“Shame,” he mused. “A pretty girl like you should enjoy getting dressed up.”

I yanked my arm away like his touch had burned me. My heart pounded in my ears, my skin prickling with unease.

Victor just chuckled. Then, as if nothing had happened, he turned back to Cassandra, who was still spinning in front of the mirror, completely oblivious.

I needed to get out of here.

Verify captcha to read the contentVerify