Chapter 203: Chapter 204

Chapter 0204 Chapter 0204 “Well, I want to try something a bit different this time,” I said thoughtfully. “What can you show me in a princess cut?”

The man’s eyes lit up. “Princess gowns? Excellent choice!” He turned to my mother and Diana, gesturing for them to follow him.

“Ladies,” he said with a flourish, “if you’ll come with me, I’ll show you the section where we keep our princess–style dresses. I’d love for each of you to pick a few that you think will suit our bride, and we’ll go from there.”

“How fun!” Diana said, clearly delighted.

The next hour passed in a blur of laughter and warm compliments. It was nothing like the first time my mother and I had done this–when Amanda had been snide and pouting the entire time.

Diana, in stark contrast, seemed genuinely enthusiastic. She complimented my figure and my smile as I tried on each dress, and I was surprised to find that it was her pick I ended up liking the most.

The gown was a stunning princess–style dress with a delicate lace train and a sweetheart neckline, which I paired with a long veil. As I turned from the mirror, a thrill of excitement coursed through me–the kind I hadn’t felt the first time.

“What do you think?” I asked, looking at my mother hopefully.

She studied me seriously for a moment before a wide smile broke across her face. “I think it’s perfect,” she said happily. “You really do look like a princess.”

“Or a movie star,” Diana added. “I just knew that one would suit you. Not that the others haven’t, but I think this one is especially good.”

“I agree,” my mother said. “I think we’ve found the dress.”

“I always love when we have success on the first day,” the consultant said, looking me over approvingly. “Why don’t you get changed back into your regular clothes, and I’ll start writing up your order.”

“Okay,” I replied, smiling at Diana. “Will you text Alexander and let him know we’ll be heading to the restaurant soon?”

“Of course, dear,” she said warmly.

My mother pulled out her phone to snap a few photos of me in the dress. “You’ll need these to show the tailor,” she explained.

“They’ll help him design Alexander’s outfit.

Once she had taken a few pictures, I headed back to the changing room.

I had such a wonderful time that I began to wonder if I had misunderstood Diana the last time we’d spoken. She seemed so genuinely happy for Alexander and me, and the way she interacted with my mother made it clear she cared deeply about her family.

Perhaps I’d been overly paranoid that day, reading too much into her concern. Guilt pricked at me, and I thought I might owe her an apology in some way. But considering she had no idea I’d even been upset, bringing it up now would probably seem silly.

All my good feelings vanished as I made my way back from the dressing room. Coming down the hallway, I couldn’t help but overhear Diana speaking to my mother. I wasn’t trying to eavesdrop, but her voice carried clearly.

“I don’t mean to speak poorly of my own son–I’m sure you understand,” Diana said. “It’s just that Alexander 1/2 Chapter 0204 has such a colorful history with women.”

“Ella assured me those were just rumors,” my mother replied firmly.

+25 BONUS “Oh yes, of course,” Diana said lightly. “There will always be rumors about wealthy, attractive men. But... well, there’s a history of behavior with him. He’s had his struggles–I’ll just put it that way.”

Anger surged through me at Diana’s words. My fists clenched at my sides as I stormed down the hall toward them. I wasn’t going to let her get away with talking about Alexander like that–not anymore.

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