Chapter 23
Elena’s POV
“Oh, hello, you must be Elena The person at my door smiled warmly. Honestly, it was hard to tell if they were a man or a woman–the way they presented themselves was effortlessly gender–neutral. But they were striking. Beautiful, even. They had a striking resemblance to Hu Yetas
Their hair was short and layered to the shoulders, straightened to silky perfection, parted on the side with a delicate rhinestone headband that sparkled under the hospital corridor lights.
They wore at least five ear piercings, each adorned with small hoops or minimalist studs. Their makeup was expertly done, barely noticeable yet flawless, and there wasn’t a trace of facial hair. The voice, though melodious and soft, carried a crispness to it that suggested a confident ease.
Their smile deepened as they extended a hand. My name is Ming Yi, but you can call me Alex
I smiled, shaking the offered hand. “Nice to meet you, Alex
Their grip was gentle, but firm. Behind them loomed an enormous bodyguard, his build wide enough to eclipse the narrow hallway light. My eyes
ild wide widened slightly.
“Please, come in,” I said, stepping aside.
As Alex stepped into the room, their eyes scanned the surroundings before settling on my mom, who was half–dozing in bed, a pillow tucked under her elbow.
“Oh no, did I wake your Alex asked, voice filled with concern.
Mom blinked, then slowly sat up, rubbing at her eyes. “Oh, no. Just resting them. You must be the designer Nikolai mentioned?”
Alex beamed, visibly excited. “Yes! Honestly, this is such a big opportunity for me. Designing Mr. Vetrov’s wife’s wedding gown? I’m not that well- known yet, so this is really something.”
Their humility caught me off guard. I gave Alex a once–over. Their outfit was stylish without being over the top–a charcoal cropped blazer with silver stitching down the sleeves, tucked neatly over a black silk blouse with a dramatic bow at the neck. High–waisted black slacks completed the ensemble, along with polished oxford shoes. Effortlessly chic.
“You’re being modest,” I said with a smile. “From what I can see, you’ve got incredible potential.
Alex squealed, clapping their hands together. “Oh my god, I like you already! Okay, okay–let’s begin.
Without hesitation, they dropped onto the edge of my hospital bed like it belonged to them, gesturing toward the bodyguard to hand over their tablet. He moved with a practiced calm and handed it over without a word!
Mom watched from her bed, amused, as Alex began flipping through files
“So,” they said, “let’s start with what you had in mind. Colors? Silhouettes? Fabrics? Any specite dress you’ve been dreaming of?”
I hesitated. For a brief secund, an image of my previous dress flashed in my mind–the one Dmitri and I had picked out together. He hadn’t brought his mother along, and oddly enough, he’d asked me not to bring mine. I’d gone along with it, thinking maybe he wanted it to be special.
Looking back, I realized how wrong that felt. Because from the moment my mom had adopted me, I wanted her to be there with me in all my special moments. For as long as she could be.
And now, here I was, sitting beside my mother, finally about to make a real choice. A clean slate.
“Do you have anything in rhind?” I asked, turning to Mom.
she tilted her head thoughtfully. “Didn’t you decide on a simple silk mermaid gown before! You really liked that. Do you want to change it
I nodded. “Honestly? Yeah. Not a full change, but maybe something a bit more dramatic. A little more, me. I was hoping you’d give me some
She smiled, though a shadow of sadness lingered behind her eyes. “Alright, let’s see what Alex thinks.
“Well,” Alex chimed in, lifting their tablet, “if you ask me, with your height and frame, we can absolutely elevate that mermaid silhouette.” They tapped and flicked through images before turning the screen toward us. It displayed a design that made my breath hitch-
-a mermaid gown. yes, but with a breathtaking cascade of soft tulle flaring out mid–thigh. The trail shimmered like morning frost under soft ligluting. Regal, yet playful.
1/2
8:40 PM
Chapter 23
Mom’s eyes widened. “Oh, that would look wonderful on you! Except-
Alex smiled knowingly. “The neckline, right?”
Mom nodded. “Exactly, Can we change that?”
one is a Maryanne neckline–a little 100 modest for some brides. Would you prefer something elser Strapless, maybe?
“Absolutely, Alex said. “This one is al
“Uh, no. I don’t really like strapless dresses,” 1 said quickly.
Mom chuckled. “Yeah, no strapless. But her shoulders are really pretty. Something that highlights those would be nice.”
I blinked. My shoulders were pretty?
Alex grinned. “Oh, definitely. Her proportions are stunning. I’d suggest an off–the–shoulder neckline. It’ll frame her collarbones and shoulders beautifully, add some elegance to the silhouette-
We began reviewing options together, flicking through endless fabrics, embroidery samples, lace patterns, beadwork, and skirt structures. The room filled with discussion and the clicking of nails on glass as we zoomed and highlighted and noted preferences.
It felt… real
And then came the moment that knocked the air out of the room
Alex sat up straight, cheeks flushed with excitement. “Now the hard part–getting this ready before the wedding day. Gosh, I’ve never worked with such a tight deadline.”
I froze
Mom frowned, glancing between the two of us. “Oh? How long does it usually take you?”
“A week at least,” Alex said, already scrolling to production notes. “But since the wedding is this Sunday, we’ve got just four days to go
Silence.
Absolute, soul–crushing silence.
Mom slowly turned her head to me, her eyes widening in disbelief.
The color drained from her face.
“The wedding is when!”
My mouth opened. Nothing came out.
Alex looked between us, confused. “Oh.. oh no. Was this a surprise?”
I wanted to throw myself to the void.
Mom stared at me, her lips parting slightly, eyes narrowing in that dangerously calm way she did right before she blew up.
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