Page 19 of Beloved Beauty

My spine stiffens and I meet his eyes, steady and unflinching. “There are no secrets between Alex and me. He knows everything. I left nothing out because I knew this day would come. This was so predictable. You’re just living down to every expectation I had. And somehow, I’m still disappointed in you.”

He flinches, and something in his eyes shifts.

Alex breathes hard through his nose, jaw tight, twitching as he stares Tyson down.

I touch his arm, grounding him. My voice is soft. “I came here to meet the other wives and enjoy tonight, but he’s ruined that for me. Will you please take me home?”

Alex doesn’t take his eyes off Tyson as he answers. “You want to hurt me? Fine. Take your swings. But why can’t you see how much you’re hurting her in the process? You claim to love her, but all you do is hurt her.”

Tyson doesn’t answer. He doesn’t need to. The damage is already done.

Alex steps back, tucking me into his side as we turn away—leaving Tyson behind in the shadows where he belongs.

We say nothing as we walk out.

Alex’s arm remains wrapped around me protectively, but I feel exposed and seen in the worst possible light.

This party was supposed to be my debut into the wives’ club. Instead, I may’ve just become the next scandal.

Chapter 7

Magnolia Steel

The boutique smells like peonies. Soft classical music plays from somewhere overhead, and everything around me is white and gold and gentle. Velvet settees. Rows of gowns so delicate they remind me of clouds caught on hangers. A silver tray of champagne flutes sparkles beside a tower of finger sandwiches no one has touched.

It’s perfect. Elegant. Everything bridal dreams are supposed to be.

Despite my happiness, I’m… unsettled.

Malie’s chatting with the stylist near the front desk, asking questions about alterations and timelines. Leilani and Sefina flank me, flipping through racks and pulling gowns they think will suit me.

They’re so excited.

I’m trying to be.

I slide my hand over the tulle of a nearby dress, soft as breath, and remind myself to smile. This should seem like a fairy tale. And it does. But someone is absent.

I always imagined Violet would be beside me for this part… as my person. The one who’d hand me tissues when I cried because I’m overwhelmed. The one who’d laugh with me over the ballgown disasters or swoon with me when I found the perfect dress.

But she’s an ocean away. And I realize it’s unrealistic for her to fly across the world to watch me try on gowns, but the ache in my chest doesn’t care about what’s realistic.

“Okay,” Sefina says, clapping her hands. “We’ve narrowed our choices down to four. One sleek, one romantic, one full drama, and one wild card.” She grins as though she’s presented me with a winning lottery ticket. “Let’s get this party started.”

I nod and the stylist ushers me into the dressing room.

The first dress is stunning. Off-the-shoulder. Lace detailing that looks like angels spun it. But as I step in front of the mirror and see it hug my frame, I already know.

It’s not the one.

Malie clasps her hands together with a soft smile. “You look beautiful, Magnolia. Truly. That lace is a dream.”

Leilani lifts her phone, snapping a photo. “It’s giving romantic royalty. You could walk into any cathedral and the choir would start singing.”

Sefina tilts her head. “It’s gorgeous but––”

Malie finishes for her. “But it’s not lighting you up.”

I exhale, relieved they see it, too. “It’s beautiful, but it’s not my dress.”

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