pte

t now rested in my hand. The fine, intricate design of the silver bracele

ou?" Mother said, her voice steady as she gently wrapped the b

sked. Though my heart didn't exactly swell with the warmth that others felt when their mothers gave them such gift

deals, social expectations, and the outward appearance of perfection. Still, Ayla and I both knew that, deep down, there was a part of her that cared. It was bur

end to other arrangements for the ceremony. And there I was, alone in

of the mansion's grounds. The flowers outside bloomed brilliantly in the late morning sun, but none of it could

"Who is it now?" I called out, not expecting anyone at this mo

ce betraying the unease I fe

ectly, accentuating her figure as if she were a model stepping straight out of the pages of a high-fashion magazine. How could a woman of fifty, who had give

Gianna greeted, her voice sweet and warm

genuine. I had never felt completely comfortable with her. She was warm, yes, but ther

eld my arms at arm's length. "Cut the formality. Call me 'Mom.'

. Why couldn't my own mother look at me like that? Why co

nd earrings, their shine even brighter than I expected. I recognized them immediately. Gianna had made them herself, a masterpiece in the world of jewelry. They were

to hide my surprise. "The only pair you've ever made, and you w

I'm delighted you know about my little business. But I insist," she

It was too much. Too extravagant. But there was no denying tha

gift to the Salvatore

y with the smile she gave me. So, I

the earrings on for me, there

g toward the door as her postu

tlessly charming with his warm, boyish smile. Though I had seen him in the media plenty of times, I couldn't deny that he looked ju

aid, flashing a grin that made me smile despite

ny interactions with him, but there was something about his pre

ebastian said, his tone lighthearted

nodded, glanced at me. "It's time, dear.

was no turning back now. My heart raced as I stood u