Love, Lies And Lavender

ep from her eyes, remembering the events of the previous night's rehearsal dinner. The

but think about the wedding that was just a day away. She was s

g for her in the lobby. He looked handsome and composed, bu

te said, smiling at

s," Dante clarified, smiling at Sophia's confusion. "The cer

etting used to the idea of marrying Dante, and the thought of final

d then," Sophia said, t

to meet with the wedding planner to go over the deta

e she was being swept up in a whirlwind. She was marrying a man she bare

dding was tomorrow, and Sophia

amount of details that needed to be finalized. From the flower arrangements to

charming the wedding planner and making decisions with confidence.

they finally finished with the wedding planner. Next, the

elp but feel a sense of surrealism. Was she really g

Signora Rossi, smiled at Sophia as she

a," Signora Rossi said. "L

she looked in the mirror, she couldn't shake the feeling that she was pla

flection in the mirror, s

ke my family is even going to know about the wedding. It's

y as she looked at herself in

sing me for his own convenience? And does

questions and doubts as she sto

ia, oblivious to her inner turmoil. "You look

ts. But as she looked at herself in the mirror, she

but feel a sense of disconnection from the whole experience.

p, looking handsome and composed as always. "So, what

ing to play it cool.

eyebrow. "Just n

I don't know what you want me to say. The dress is beautiful,

her away from the shop. "I know this isn't ideal, Sophia," he said.

answers. But Dante's eyes were guarde

what did he plan to do to mak

d been investigating the Moretti family's business dealings for months. Marrying Dante was the pe

ide. It's not like she had any feelings for Dante, she reminded hersel

part of the dutiful fiancée, all while gathering evidence and information. And when the truth

we're doing this, Sophia," he said, his eyes crinkling at

She was using him, plain and simple. But she pushe

d, taking his arm. "I'm feelin

ose. Sophia's heart skipped a beat as he le

whispered. "Because I have a feeling that our

did Dante mean by that? And what did he

figure waiting for them on the steps. It

e dripping with sweetness. "I see you're

zed at Sophia, and Sophia sensed a hint o

nd he stepped forward, his voice fir

h, I just wanted to drop off a little something for the hap

on high alert. What wa

"Thank you," he said coolly. "But I think Sophia and

sure. "Of course, darling," she said. "I just wanted to make sure y

nca's words, and she felt a shiver run dow

. "Thank you, Bianca," he repe

gain, this time more brightly. "Wonderful," she sa

leaving Sophia feeling uneasy and un

a turned to Dante, her eyes searching for a

d he shrugged. "Just Bianca being

sensed a deep-seated tension between Dante and Bianca, som

ween you and Bianca?" Sop

swering. "It's complicated," he said finally. "Le

uriosity w

ensed a deep sadness beneath his surface.

d, Dante?" sh

a thought she saw a glimmer of vulnerability. But then

e said. "But for now, let's just

al paragraph o

s missing something important. As they walked back into the vill