Page 113 of Pretend To Be Mine

“That’s human, Elizabeth. You can either live your life or live your mother’s life. But you can’t do both. At some point, you have to make a choice.”

“I know that. I do. But⁠—”

“But it’s hard to let go of wanting their approval. I get it. My parents wanted me to be a doctor. Stable career, good money, respectable. Instead I became a seamstress for a fashion house.” She smiled. “They didn’t speak to me for two years. But eventually they came around when they realized I was happy, successful, doing exactly what I was meant to do.”

“What if mine don’t come around?”

“Then you build a family out of people who see you for who you are.” She gestured around us. “You’ve got Adrian, the brothers, me. People who value your talent and support your dreams. That’s not nothing. I personally believe the family you choose is an extremely important part of anyone’s life.”

Tears pricked my eyes. “When did things get so complicated? Two weeks ago I was just waiting tables and applying for jobs. Now I’m making dresses for Milan Fashion Week, fake-engaged to a billionaire, and having an existential crisis about my mother in Versailles.”

Annika laughed. “Welcome to the world of fashion, darling. Nothing is ever simple, everyone is slightly crazy, and somehow it all works out in the end.”

“Does it though?”

“Usually. Not always. But usually.” She handed me the burgundy fabric. “Come on. Let’s finish this dress. Then you can go get ready for tonight’s show. I’m personally looking forward to it. I love seeing the personality of the boys in their art.”

“Me too,” I smiled. “I love how they all hold on to their father’s vision while putting their own little twist.”

“Hold this fabric steady while I pin. We’ve got about six more hours of work before these are ready for the final fitting.”

We worked through the evening, barely noticing as the light outside the windows shifted from afternoon to dusk. The burgundy dress slowly took shape, each piece fitting together like a puzzle.

By the time we finished the basic construction on all three pieces, it was six o’clock. The show would be starting soon and I had to hunt down my dress still. I knew Adrian had it delivered, but given the size of the place, it could be anywhere.

“Go,” Annika said, shooing me away. “Get dressed, do your hair, be Adrian’s gorgeous fiancée for the night. I’ll finish the detail work and have these ready for the final fitting tomorrow morning.”

“Are you sure? I can stay.”

“Elizabeth. Go. Enjoy the show. Enjoy Adrian. Worry about the dresses tomorrow.” She smiled. “Tonight, just let yourself be happy. God knows you’ve earned it.”

I hugged her impulsively. “Thank you. For everything. For helping with the dresses, for listening, for being a friend.”

“That’s what friends do.” She hugged me back. “Now go. And Elizabeth? Whatever Adrian tells you tonight, listen with your heart, not your fear.”

I nodded, not trusting my voice, and headed back through the lavish corridors of Versailles.

“There you are,” Adrian said, nearly running me over when we met at an intersection of hallways.

“I was just coming to get you. Did you finish?”

“Almost,” I replied. “I figured I better get dressed. I don’t think my jeans and hoodie are fashion show attire.”

He chuckled. “I certainly don’t mind, but I want to see you in that gown.” He took my hand, kissed me and then guided me to the room where we would both get ready for the night.

As I did my makeup, I realized the dream was almost over. I felt like Cinderella watching the clock inch closer to midnight. Soon, I’d be back to my old self and my prince would be back in his castle.

37

ADRIAN

The best part about Briggs hosting his show was that he actually knew what the hell he was doing.

Unlike Sebastian, who had treated the entire London production like a party that happened to have a runway attached, Briggs had everything running with military precision. The earlier hiccups had been quickly resolved, and if I was fair, he probably could have handled it himself. One of these days I would learn how to give up some control.

That meant for the first time all week, I could actually relax and enjoy the show.

I could be a spectator instead of worrying about music and lighting. I didn’t even have to worry about the models. We had a great crew for the night. All very professional and no one was going to be pulling any bullshit.