[Music: ’Til Death Do Us Part by Nessa Barrett]

My nails sank into the leather, my chest rising and falling heavily. As the second passed, it got harder to look away as though I had been held under a spell.

The car moved, and that was the push I needed to peel my eyes away.

"W-Where are you going?" I asked, hoping to extinguish the tension.

"You’ll see."

That wasn’t an answer, but an hour later the car pulled up in front of a boutique.

Zade got out first, and I had my fill of him as he rounded the car, his cigar hanging lazily between his lips before he drew deeply from it, smoke curling into the air.

That action has always disgusted me.

Then why does it look like the hottest thing I have ever laid my eyes on? I sank into my seat, my nails clawing the leather more.

No.

I shook my head. This is the heat getting to me. The weather today was something else. I’m still in tights, and I’m burning.

Tell that to the air conditioner blasting me.

The door opened. My gaze dropped to the large hand extended toward me. Without so much as a second thought, I slipped mine into it, instantly swallowed by the size of it.

I got out, looking anywhere but him. The boutique was located on the ground floor of an old stone building. Tall glass windows, revealing glimpses of the curated interior. Above the entrance, the boutique’s name was engraved in elegant gold lettering.

Verdelle.

I had barely enough time to explore the Old Quarter, nor had I been to this boutique before. Then why does it look familiar?

I narrowed my eyes in curiosity before shifting them back to Zade, who studied me closely as if waiting for a reaction.

Then, on cue, a smile dragged on his lip. "Shall we?"

I felt funny as we neared the boutique. I would have backed away if Zade hadn’t had his hand braced at the small of my back.

We got in, and we were welcomed by a team.

"Welcome, Mr. Salvero." She looked toward my direction, pausing for a while. "And Mrs. Salvero."

"Have we met before?" I murmured, but I think I said it more to myself because no one heard me.

"Is it ready?" Zade asked.

"Yes!"

"Darling, go with Mrs. Allen."

"Why?"

"As much as I love seeing you in tights. I’d much rather see you in something beautiful for our date."

O-Oh.

~☆~

I walked closer to the full-length mirror, taking in my outfit. I was wearing an ivory satin mini dress that gleamed softly beneath the lights, the fabric hugged my figure before flaring in layered ruffles that brushed against my thighs, with a cowl neckline that lined my collarbones.

The outfit was paired with matching heels and crystal bracelets glittering around my wrist.

I descended my gaze on my wedding ring, gently rubbing the diamond. It doesn’t feel as heavy as the first time I swore it.

There was a lighter feel, and half the time, I didn’t realize I was even wearing it.

Since when has it felt that way?

"You look stunning, Mrs. Salvero!"

I shot my eyes to the mirror as Mrs. Allen walked into the dressing room with a big smile.

I licked my lips, straightening my hair that was let down to fall over my shoulder. "Thanks. It’s a beautiful dress."

"Mr. Salvero was right to choose this dress; it’s a perfect fit."

"H-He chose it?"

"Yes! Way back, let’s say two weeks ago. Your dress was custom-made in Paris. Shoes are Italian leather pumps from Milan, and the handbag..."

I looked toward the table where the cream handbag sat. It was adorned with a crystal-encrusted bow. The moment I laid my eyes on it, I fell in love instantly.

"... was handmade in Florence, Italy."

There goes Zade again, getting me things with precision. He always picked the best of everything. It’s starting to feel way more than that. I don’t know why it does, but it suddenly doesn’t feel like I was treated as Annabeth’s replacement.

I knew Annabeth’s likes and dislikes, and so far, everything Zade has given me has been to my preference.

This is scaring me way more than anything.

"This reminds me of two years ago. He had our boutique import the finest dresses. We specifically packaged and sent them."

"Excuse me?" I snapped my gaze to her. "What... What did you just say?"

Mrs. Allen gave me a puzzled expression. "Well, I said this reminds me of when you both came here."

"T-Two years ago?"

"Yes, that is what I said."

I grabbed her arms, and she jolted, taken by surprise.

"A-Are you saying I was with Zade two years ago? He... He brought me here?"

"Y-Yes, Mrs. Salvero."

I released her, taking a step back, startled. I wondered why the boutique looked familiar since the moment I walked in.

"Don’t you remember?"

In sharp breath, I moved my eyes to Mrs. Allen as she studied me closely with a worried expression.

"O-Of course..." I stuttered, rubbing my temples. "Sorry, I have been to so many boutiques, and it took me by surprise that we have been to a place as beautiful as this. Silly me!"

"Oh," she chuckled in relief.

"Could you perhaps refresh my memory? I am a bit overwhelmed, and I’m having a hard time recalling."

"Understandable. Mr. Salvero must have taken you to a lot of places. I’m honored you find this place more suitable."

I nodded with a forced smile, my hands on my waist sinking into my skin.

"Oh, I think those dresses are in our lookbook. Would you like to see them?"

"Y-Yes, I would very much like that."

"Just give me a moment."

She left the room.

I just stood there, staring into space, my mind completely blank.

A few minutes later, Mrs. Allen returned holding a large leather-bound portfolio and placed it on the table beside the velvet sofa.

"If you’re interested, we have a better upgrade of each design and..."

I tuned out her words, eyeing the dresses she pointed at.

A sharp ripping sound echoed through my head.

I froze.

That noise didn’t come from the room but inside my mind. It came again, and my heart lurched as for a split second I saw pieces scattered on the floor.