Page 74 of Bid For Me
Candy whistles low under her breath. “Well, they’re not messing around, are they?”
I sigh, already exhausted. “Apparently not.”
The assistant – a tall, elegant woman with a severe bob – steps forward, her eyes sharp as she appraises me. “Miss Rialdi,” she says, her tone clipped but polite. “I’m Claudia. We’ve prepared several options for you to try.”
Candy elbows me lightly. “Miss Rialdi,” she whispers with a smirk. “How fancy.”
I shoot her a look, but don’t reply as Claudia directs me toward the dressing room.
The first gown is stunning – a fitted bodice with intricate lace detailing and a dramatic train. But as beautiful as it is, it feels like a costume. I step out hesitantly, the weight of the dress unfamiliar.
Candy’s eyes widen. “You look like a queen.”
I glance at my reflection in the mirror, and my chest tightens. The dress is beautiful, but it doesn’t feel likeme.
Claudia claps her hands together. “Exquisite,” she declares. “This is the one.”
“No,” I say firmly, surprising even myself.
Claudia’s brows arch. “No?”
I meet her gaze, my voice steady. “It’s beautiful, but it’s not right. Let’s try something else.”
The fittings continue, dress after dress, each one more elaborate than the last. Candy offers her honest opinions, which I’m grateful for, but none of them feel right. Finally, after what feels like hours, Claudia presents a gown that takes my breath away.
The dress is fitted, flaring out into a slight puddle train, with intricate lace detailing that’s covered in tiny sparkling beads. It feels vintage – inspired and captivating. The lacework makes the entire dress appear sheer, even though there’s a skin-covered modesty layer underneath. The front is high and modest, wide cut across my clavicles to my shoulders, but the back is cut into a dramatic deep V-shape, which adds an elegant yet bold touch to the otherwise classically romantic design. The sleeves are sheer and fitted, extending to my wrists with a slightly flared cuff, giving them a delicate, ethereal quality.I feel like a princess.
When I step out, Candy gasps. “Holy shit, babe. That’s it. That’s the one.”
I turn to the mirror, and for the first time, I see myself – not the Sterling-Knight fiancée, butme.
I love this dress. It’s exactly what I would choose for my actual wedding, and even though I know that Sebastian’s father will absolutely hate it, this is the one.
Claudia nods approvingly. “Perfect.”
I smile faintly, my reflection blurring as emotions threaten to overwhelm me. It’s just a dress, I tell myself. But somehow, it feels like more than that.
“Hang on,” Candy says, getting to her feet and rushing over to a stand full of accessories. She comes back with a long veil in her hand. “Let’s get the full effect. Claudia?”
The assistant steps forward and takes the veil from my bestie, carefully sliding it into place. It’s long and translucent with subtle sparkle, complementing the dress perfectly, adding a mysterious and hauntingly beautiful aura.
“What do you think, Miss Rialdi?”
I nod, still kind of speechless. I look like a real bride.
Suddenly tears prick my eyes and I’m finding it hard to swallow around the lump in my throat.
“This is the one,” Candy says confidently. “We’re taking it.”
I nod and return to the changing room to get dressed. Even though I dressed nicely today, I feel like the hobo Candy teased me of being when I have to put my own clothes back on. After that dress, even the most designer threads feel like tattered rags.
Now I know how Cinderella felt after the ball.
By the time we leave the boutique, I’m emotionally drained. Especially after fighting with Claudia to pay for my own damn dress. It was eye-wateringly expensive, but worth it. My choice of dress, paid for from my pocket. She tried to insist Mr. Sterling-Knight Senior had taken care of everything, but Candy made it clear in no uncertain terms, she was to refund him and swipe my card instead.
I’m so glad she was with me today.
She walks beside me, her arm linked with mine.