AllFreeNovel
Share Us
“You both know about the Orlovs, then?”
“They won’t ever touch you. Maxim wouldn’t allow it, and neither would we,” Ada continued.
“You can count on my father’s word,” Irina added, and I breathed out a sigh of relief.
“Now, enough talk about serious stuff, let’s try on some dresses,” Ada demanded and the three of us giggled together, the mood immediately lightening.
I nodded and smiled as the two women flanked me and led me deeper into the shop. Ada plucked a few choices from the racks, her taste impeccable as she selected a variety of styles.
“This one has a classic cut but with a modern twist,” Ada explained, holding up an A-line dress with intricate lace detailing. “I think it might suit you beautifully.”
Irina, meanwhile, was drawn to something bolder. “What about this one?” She pulled out a sleek, off-the-shoulder gown with a dramatic train. “It’s a bit more daring, but I think it could be stunning on you.”
I was touched by their enthusiasm and found myself warming to the task, the initial nervousness about these two women giving way to the warmth of their welcome.
“So, Riley, tell us a bit about where you grew up. Maxim’s been somewhat vague on the details,” Irina asked, her expression doing nothing to hide her curiosity.
Her question was casual but pointed, and I hesitated for a moment. Should I tell them the truth? Mostly, I didn’t want to lie. I wanted to be their friend and lying wasn’t a good foot to start out on.
So I decided to be honest.
“I grew up in the foster system in Ireland,” I began, my voice soft. “It wasn’t always easy, but it taught me a lot over the years.”
Ada listened intently, nodding. “It sounds like you’ve come a long way.”
I smiled as a memory from my childhood popped up in my head.
“What is it?” Irina asked.
“Well, I used to dress up in princess dresses—nothing as beautiful as these, of course. I’d pretend to marry my stuffed animals. It was a just a game, but I remember how my foster mom at the time used to encourage me.”
“That’s incredibly sweet,” Irina said, her tone warm as she chose another dress for me to try. “It must be surreal then, trying on real wedding dresses now.”
“It is,” I admitted, feeling a mix of emotions as I touched the fabric of one of the gowns. “Today feels like I’m stepping into one of those childhood games, except it’s real this time.”
Ada smiled, handing me the first dress to try on.
“Let’s make sure your wedding day feels just like those dreams then, only better. Irina and I have found our fairytale ending and you deserve yours too, Riley.”
The conversation flowed easily from there, the initial awkwardness gone as we bonded over fabric choices, lace, and tulle. I tried on dress after dress, but finally, I came to the one.
The gown was stunningly simple, embodying elegance without ostentation—a deep V-neckline and a flowing, soft tulle skirt that cascaded gracefully to the floor. The bodice was adorned with subtle, hand-embroidered floral designs that were so beautiful they stole my breath away.
I took a deep breath and walked out of the fitting room.
Irina and Ada paused mid-conversation, turning to look as I walked timidly into the viewing area. Their reactions were instant.
“Oh, Riley,” Irina breathed, her eyes lighting up. “That’s the one. It’s absolutely you.”
Ada nodded in agreement, her eyes appraising me in the mirror. “It’s perfect. It’s elegant, it’s graceful—just like you.”
I looked at myself in the mirror, and for the first time, I felt a sense of belonging in this fabric, in this skin, in this moment.
I felt like I was exactly where I was supposed to be.
“Do you think Maxim will like it?” I asked, a hint of nervousness in my voice. Despite the confidence the dress gave me, I wanted it to resonate with Maxim too.
I was Daddy’s little girl and I just wanted to make him proud.
