Chapter 208

• VALENTINA
• I stood alone in my suite two days before the masquerade ball. Morning light slipped through the curtains and landed soft across the emerald green gown hanging in the open wardrobe. The diamond necklace and earrings waited on the velvet tray beside it. I stepped closer and lifted the necklace. The stones felt cool and heavy in my palm. I fastened it around my neck, then added the earrings. When I moved in front of the tall mirror the full picture came together again. The green fabric caught the light. The diamonds sat perfectly against my skin. I turned slowly and watched the skirt move with me. The dress no longer felt like something picked for me. It felt like it belonged to the woman I had turned into inside these walls. The ball was only two days away now. The thought settled in my chest with a steady weight and a quiet excitement that made my pulse lift just a little.
• I changed back into my work clothes and walked downstairs with the tablet in my hands. The mansion hummed with morning activity. I reached the study and found Gustavo already at his desk. Fresh coffee waited for me. He stood when I came in and pulled out the chair beside him. His eyes met mine with that calm focus he always carried.