NICOLE
A week. It's only been a week since he put this ring on my finger, and now it's my wedding day.
Christmas Day.
I stand before the full-length mirror, my breath caught in my throat. The gown is nothing I ever dreamed of, because I never dared to dream of this. It's a simple, elegant sheath of heavy white silk, sleeveless and backless, cutting a clean, modern line.
It's not a fluffy princess dress. It's armor. It's a statement. It's utterly Kenji.
Nemu just finished with my hair, leaving my natural curls to form a soft, proud crown around my head. My makeup is light, just enough to highlight my features, but she's made my eyes look darker, wiser. I look like a version of myself I'm still getting to know.
My hands are trembling. I clench them into fists, the massive diamond of my engagement ring digging into my palm.
"I can't believe this is happening," I whisper, more to my reflection than to Nemu.
