Chapter 204

• VALENTINA
• I sat at the small desk in my suite the next morning. The emerald green gown hung in the open wardrobe across the room where the morning light caught the lace and made it shimmer softly. I had already tried it on twice since yesterday and each time the dress felt more like it belonged to me. I set the secure tablet aside and stood to walk over to it. I ran my fingers along the smooth fabric one more time and felt the same quiet thrill I felt during the fitting. The ball was now only six days away. The thought settled in my chest with steady weight. I turned away from the gown and moved to the window. I pulled the curtain aside and looked down at the garden. The fountain sprayed water in steady arcs and the roses bloomed in deep red and pure white. Everything outside looked calm yet I knew the days ahead would bring more changes inside these walls.
• I changed into my work clothes and walked downstairs with the tablet in my hands. The mansion felt alive with morning light. I reached the study and found Gustavo already at his desk with fresh coffee waiting for me. He stood when I entered and pulled out the chair beside him. His eyes met mine with calm focus.