Charlotte’s POV
The gown was beautiful. I wished it wasn’t.
It would have been easier if it were plain, or stiff, or too flouncy, or just slightly the wrong size. Something to remind me that it was just a costume. But it fit perfectly, falling in soft, clean lines to the floor, and when I stood in front of the mirror, I looked like a bride.
I turned to the side, then back again, admiring the way the fabric hugged my curves. I felt beautiful, and even though my heart ached, the smile didn’t seem to fade from my eyes. No matter how much I tried to remind myself that none of this was real, the sparkle in my gaze seemed to forget that.
Shaking my head, I reached over and picked up my earrings. I’d done my hair and makeup myself, keeping everything soft, clean, and simple.
F
