A Love Restored

My reflection in the mirror practically vibrated with nervous energy. The stylist kept fussing with the ends of my hair, her perfectly manicured nails a stark contrast to my own chipped mess, “Relax, Ms. White,” she soothed, her voice as smooth as the silk of the dress I was about to squeeze into. Easier said than done.

Today was the goddamn coronation. Felix’s parents were throwing a black–tie extravaganza to announce his official ascension to the, ahem, ‘family business.” Lavish didn’t even begin to describe it. From what I’d overheard, there’d be enough caviar to choke a horse and more diamonds than a Tiffany’s vault.

And I was going to be on Felix’s arm. He’d be the first person all eyes would be on. And the second person…would be me.

The dress, a midnight blue that mirrored the turmoil in my stomach, was currently being wrestled into submission by a seamstress who looked like she could thread a needle blindfolded. In between bites of a stale bagel (because who has time to eat when there’s a mafia takeover to attend?), I helded frantic calls from Felix’s mom (would like peonies or hydrangeas on the place setting?), with the caterer on call (did I like watercrest?), and even Lexi, who needed help with her “corsage malfunction.”This is property © NôvelDrama.Org.

Felix himself was a whirlwind of activity, barking orders into his phone while simultaneously trying to tame his unruly tie. There was a nervous twitch in his jaw that mirrored my own. Taking over the entire Corsino operation wasn’t exactly a walk in the park.

“Almost there,” the seamstress announced with a triumphant flourish. I hoisted myself into the dress, the fabric clinging to every curve. It was stunning. but it felt about as comfortable as wearing a suit of armor.

“You look incredible, Felix said, finally tearing his gaze away from his phone. His eyes, usually a were softer than usual. “Don’t worry, Flora. You’ll be great tonight. I’ll be with you the whole time. Partners in crime.”

1 forced a smile. “Yeah, crime is true.” I joked, the lightness sounding tinny even to my own ears.

He squeezed my hand, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. “You’ll be a natural. It’s what you were made for,”

I nodded solemnly and looked at the seamstress. “Thank you, the dress looks great. Felix, “I need to get a manicure, now.” He saluted mockingly, and I rolled my eyes.

you get it in the car? Romero will help you.” Then I looked at

The car practically purred as Felix weaved through the traffic. He stole a glance at me, his knuckles white on the steering wheel

“How are you feeling?” I asked quietly,

He shot me a sideways glance, then smiled lightly. “Honestly?” he admitted, his voice tight. “Like I swallowed a lead weight.”

I reached out and squeezed his knee, the expensive fabric of his suit cool under my touch. “That bad, huh?”

He gave a humorless laugh. “It’s the Corsino name, you know? It’s heavy. My great grandfather built this empire, and now it’s all on me. What if I screw it up?”

*Felix,” I said, my voice firm despite the nervous flutter in my stomach. “You won’t. You were born for this, remember? You’re the best person for this, and you have the respect of everyone; down to the newest musclehead. You’ve been preparing for this your whole life.”

He looked unconvinced, but I could see a flicker of something else in his eyes – maybe a spark of the confidence I knew was there. “Besides,” I added, leaning in conspiratorially. “You’ve got me, right? I’ll be there to support you. Every day for the rest of our lives.”

A slow smile spread across his face, erasing some of the tension in his features. “Yeah,” he said, his voice softer. “You will.” He squeezed my hand briefly before focusing back on the road. The silence that fell between us was comfortable, a shared understanding that transcended words.

Later at night, the air crackled with anticipation as Felix and I prepared for the grand party. His tuxedo hung sharp against the stark white of the bathroom wall, and his hair, usually tousled, was slicked back with an unfamiliar sheen. He looked…powerful. A shiver danced down my spine, a delicious mix of fear and something else entirely.

He caught my eye in the mirror, a ghost of a smile playing on his lips. His gaze swept over me, taking in the way the blue dress shimmered under the soft light. “Flora,” he breathed, his voice husky. “You look…” he trailed off, searching for the right words. “Stunning doesn’t even begin to cover it.”

My cheeks flushed warm. “Thanks,” I mumbled, suddenly hyperaware of every curve the dress accentuated.

He reached out, his thumb gently tracing the line of my jaw. “I’m so proud to have you by my side tonight. When all those vultures are circling, looking for weakness, just seeing you there…it grounds me.”

Tenging heavy in Hair

to have that most beautiful, failliant woman on their arm” He paused, his eyes

Tagine this night without you by my

vid char for an hang tumbled out before I could stop ir “Me neither,” I whispered, the confession

The night sky. Felix leaned in, and for a moment, the impending ch

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