Chapter 2

The wedding coordinator frowned and was about to speak when my mother hurried into the room.

“Lorenzo, what exactly are you doing? The priest is ready, and representatives from every family are waiting.”

Lorenzo hesitated, but Bianca cut in.

“Mrs. Valenti, Lorenzo still hasn’t found the dress. How can they go to the church?”

“This is my final test for him. If he passes, maybe he’ll finally prove he deserves her.”

I walked over, linked my arm through my mother’s, and gently patted her hand.

“Mom, it’s all right. My wedding will go ahead today.”

Then I whispered a name into her ear.

Only then did some of the tension leave her face.

Before my mother could respond, Lorenzo spoke first.

“Serena, you’re being unreasonable today. Bianca only wants our wedding to be perfect.”

“Why are you turning this into a family crisis? We can push everything back a few minutes.”

I checked my phone.

Another minute had passed.

I looked up at him.

“Lorenzo, what exactly am I doing wrong?”

“So any time I refuse to go along with the two of you, I’m throwing a tantrum?”

“Isn’t it?” Lorenzo said through clenched teeth. “I already told you. If I don’t find the dress, I’m not going to the church.”

The answer had always been yes.

Whenever we went out to eat, we chose whatever suited the two of them. If I suggested a restaurant I liked, I was “ruining the mood.”

Even the alterations to this dress had been decided by Bianca.

When I said I didn’t like the design at the waist, Lorenzo laughed and asked if I was jealous because Bianca had better taste. He told me not to be petty.

I was about to marry him, so I swallowed my resentment rather than argue.

But I had never imagined the two of them would behave this outrageously today.

Bianca hurried over and took my arm.

“Serena, stop. Lorenzo’s getting angry.”

The wedding coordinator looked at me.

“Miss Valenti, what would you like us to do? Should I tell the priest to delay the ceremony?”

I shook my head.

“No. We start on time. I’m going out there now.”

At the same time, I texted the man waiting outside.

[Is the dress ready?]

A photo arrived immediately.

It showed a breathtaking ivory mermaid wedding gown.

[It’s ready.]

[No one has worn it. No one has touched it. It belongs only to my bride.]