Chapter 7

"You look stunning today."

I see Mom's eyes in the mirror as I stand behind her. Her deep blue gown flows beautifully and perfectly fits her body. It doesn't matter that she wouldn't even explain why she wouldn't wear white. She looks gorgeous.

She grins. "Thank you, my dear. You yourself look fantastic.

I look down at my sleeveless, flowy, short white dress. I carefully run my fingers along the hem, enjoying the softness of the fabric against my skin.

I put my hands on her shoulders and give them a light squeeze. "Are you content, Mom?"

She places her hand over mine and gives it a gentle rub. "Yes, I am. Very happy, Elisabetta.” And I know she means it.

“That makes me even happier.”

She nods, then lets go of my hand. I step back, watching her in the mirror.

“You’re comfortable, yeah? No weird feelings?” Her brow lifts.

I nod. “None.”

“Good. I made sure Gabriel only invited the important ones so we’d all be comfortable. Not too many people.”

I chuckle. “I know, Mom. You already told me.

She chuckles softly before averting her eyes while tinkering with something. I can see it in the mirror—the plain band on her ring finger. Dad's ring.

"Give it to me." I'll keep it for you.

She hesitates before looking up. She takes a moment to remove it after I give her a comforting smile. I carefully take it from her.

"You and Gabriel are the focus of today. This is a new start. Please don't think negatively.

She nods and lets out a breath. "Having you as my daughter is such a blessing."

"That's you."

We both chuckle.

“Alright, I’ll see you in the hall. Don’t get too nervous. I'll be by your side the whole time.

I give her a cheek kiss and leave.

Conversation is already rife in the hall. I see Giacomo conversing with a man Gabriel's age across the room. He looks ridiculously good in that suit, dark and well-fitting, even from this distance. With his hands in his pockets and a smile on his face, he appears to be aware of how noticeable he is.

He sees me staring, though. His face breaks into a slow smile. He raises a hand in a tiny motion.

Pretending not to see, I turn my head away, but it's too late. He breaks off his conversation and approaches me. With each step, my heart beats faster.

"Hey, you."

I tighten my grip on the ring and necklace.

"What is that?" He gives the jewelry a nod.

"Well, nothing." My voice sounds too quiet. I clear my throat. "It's nothing significant."

"Need assistance with it?"

He removes them from my grasp before I can respond.

He brushes my hair aside and turns me away from him. I get chills as his fingers brush against my neck. As he fastens the necklace, my heart thuds in my ears.

"There."

He twirls me back around after adjusting my hair.

"You look very lovely."

Elisabetta, you must breathe.

I erect my back. "I do that." Thank you.”

He smirks. “Bet you’d look even prettier in my arms.”

“Shut up.”

He laughs, and I shake my head, ready to tease him back, until someone calls his name.

We both turn.

My stomach drops.

A girl, her tall, red curls bouncing, walks over with a confident smile on her face.

I whisper, “Who’s that?”

Janet. I mentioned Janet to you. She wanted to come.”

Oh.

Right.

He did mention her yesterday. And now she’s here. And she’s beautiful.

I take a small step back, watching them exchange greetings. The way she laughs, the way he leans in slightly—

I should’ve brought someone, too.

Except I have no one to bring.

The ceremony starts, and I already want it to be over.

Not because I'm unhappy for Mom. Yes, I am. But sitting next to Giacomo all the time as Janet whispers and giggles with him? torture.

What's so funny is beyond me.

When Mom's eyes meet mine, I straighten in my chair and force a smile. Her vows begin. Her voice is warm and steady.

They trade rings. The kiss followed. The audience, which consists of no more than twenty people, bursts into cheers. As I wait for the right time, I clap along.

I get up as soon as it does.

"Where are you heading?" Giacomo whispers as he leans in.

I need to get some air. It won't take long.

I pick up my handbag and sneak out.

I feel the cool air immediately. I take a deep breath and briefly close my eyes. I take out my phone from my purse when it buzzes.

Louis texted.

LOUIS: It was amusing.

LOUIS: Are you still occupied with the event?

I type back quickly.

ME: The wedding is now over.

He responds almost instantly.

LOUIS: You didn’t tell me it was a wedding! I love weddings. Whose was it?

I chuckle.

ME: Just an important person.

LOUIS: You’re really secretive, huh? Mind if I call? I want to see you in your dress.

I glance back toward the hall, debating. Before I can make a decision, my phone rings.

I sigh and shake my head in response, "Louis."

What was his first word?

"Whoa."

"What?" Pulling at the hem of my dress, I laugh.

"You're stunning. Absolutely stunning. Dangerously beautiful. Elisabetta, you really are beautiful.

"The entire dress is not even visible."

"I don't have to. You always look good, but now? The next level

"All right, all right. Thank you.

"Anytime, lovely."

I smile despite rolling my eyes. Ever since he moved to my school, Louis has been tenacious. He never lets me ignore him and never stops talking to me. Despite his boldness, he is aware of his boundaries, which somehow makes him even more endearing. A guy like that would be desired by any girl.

I'm not just any girl, though.

I also want another person.

Louis remarks, "That's a pretty necklace."

The ring is an automatic toy for my fingers.

"Yes, it is. Thank you.

His voice is warm and effortless as we continue our conversation. I loosen up a bit and start talking to you—until a voice I recognize calls my name from behind me.

"Lizzie?"

I flinch.

As Giacomo goes outside, I end the call and say to Louis, "Hey, I'll text you later."

He smirks as he leans against the wall. "Who was that?"

"No one."

"Liar. I observed.

"Just a friend."

He hums. "Elisabetta, you've been cunning lately."

"I'm not." I cross my arms. "What brings you out here? Where is your girl?

Janet went out; she had a place to be.

"If you invited her, you must like her." I avoid looking into his eyes.

He gives a shrug. She's entertaining. I like having her around.

My chest twists sharply.

"Obviously."

I stagger as he abruptly throws an arm around me.

"James!" I chastise.

He chuckles. I apologize. Hey, it's official now. We share a common bond.

I feel ill when I hear the word.

"Don't refer to me like that."

"Why not?"

I make an effort to smile. "Just don't expect me to adjust."

"Neither am I," he acknowledges. "I like Lizzie better. My Lizzie.

Give up.

I am no longer able to do this.

He continues, "Oh, and by the way, Gabriel mentioned that we're moving into our new house tonight."

Correct. Living together.

I look forward to seeing him every day. We share the same roof when we wake up. As step-siblings.

I hate this. I hate every bit of it.

“Come on,” he says, draping his jacket over my shoulders. “It’s getting cold.”

I pull it tighter around me.

I don’t get to have this anymore.

Not in the way I want.