The final weeks before the wedding passed in a blur of controlled chaos.
Victor's invitations arrived three weeks before the date each one a small work of art, watercolor cherry blossoms framing elegant calligraphy.
He'd hand-delivered them to the penthouse, nervous and proud in equal measure.
"If you hate them, I can redo—"
"Victor, they're perfect," Felix had said, examining one closely. "Actually perfect. Look at the detail here."
"You're sure? Because I can—"
"Victor." Matteo placed a hand on his shoulder. "They're beautiful. Everyone's going to be so impressed."
The boy had left beaming, already texting Jianyu photos.
Now, a week before the wedding, Matteo stood in Giuseppe's shop for the final fitting, watching himself in the three-way mirror while the tailor circled him like a shark.
"Arms up. Good. Turn. Hmm." Giuseppe tugged at the jacket shoulder, his measuring tape hanging around his neck. "This sits perfectly now. How does it feel?"
