(Ruby's POV)
Three weeks later, the conservatory was ready.
I stood in the library, looking at myself in the mirror. The dress was white silk, simple, no lace. It fell to my ankles, loose and flowing. My mother had helped me choose it. She said it reminded her of the woman I had become. Strong. Unadorned. Free.
My hair was down, curled at the ends. No veil. No diamonds. Just a small white orchid tucked behind my ear.
Mia stood behind me, holding a small bouquet of white orchids. She was wearing a pale blue dress, her hair pinned up. The color had returned to her cheeks over the past weeks. She looked healthy. Really healthy.
"You're going to make him cry," she said.
"I don't know about that."
"I do." She smiled. "I've seen the way he looks at you."
I looked at my reflection. The woman in the mirror looked calm. But inside, my heart was racing.
"Are you nervous?" Mia asked.
"A little."
"Don't be. He loves you."
"I know."
