A bride's broken dreams

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as a visible contrast to Claire's modest one. The room was filled with the scent of fresh flowers, and the golden glow of the afternoon sun filtered thro

ent. She tossed a lock of her perfectly styled hair over her shoulder, a gesture that se

I'm not comfortable at those kinds of events.

the people who'll be at that party. Besides, she leaned in closer, a mischievous smile playing on her li

. This is a huge deal. Remember you promised to attend the

ealthiest men in the country, he was the epitome of everything she felt she was not. Claire was a photographer who abandoned her dreams fo

offer, but it's just not my kind of place. I promise to make it to a

Claire to her feet and dragging her towards the bedroom. Yo

ing out dresses that looked as if they belonged on runways rather than in a wardrobe. Cl

or-length satin gown with a plunging neckline and a slit that ran daringly high up o

ightly open in disbelief. Anna, I can't

ed, shakin

rust me. She said and lay dow

g in front of a full-length mirror, unable

hair into loose waves that cascaded down her shoulders, and her makeup was soft yet elegant. The finishing

is too much, Claire whispered, her f

ct, Anna replied, smiling war

e things, and she feared that everyone at the party would see her as a an imposter. But Anna was

olden glow over the room. Waiters in tuxedos carried trays of champagne, and the air wa

, her heart racing with nerves. The weather was chill bu

und her neck and the way the gown seemed to flow with every step she took. Anna led her confidently through the

ark hair slicked back and a chiseled jawline. His suit was perfectly tailored, and he had an air of confidenc

to and started making his way toward her. Anna noticed too, and nudged

led warmly, his eyes fixed on her. She could see him in

his voice senorous. He hugge

ve met. His eyes on

ed, trying to kee

et you, Claire. You l

g her cheeks flush. She glanced at An

her questions about herself, and seeming genuinely interested in her answers. Claire

m noticed the older woman watch

was a woman of sharp instincts, and she could tell when someone was genuine and when they weren't.