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Serge harrumphed but waved for us to continue.

The third gown fell somewhere between the first two. It was an A-line silhouette with delicate lace sleeves and subtle beading that caught the light just enough to create interest without overwhelming the bride.

"This one," I said immediately. "It's perfect."

Serge made a noncommittal sound, but I noticed he didn't dismiss it outright.

As a mermaid gown with dramatic ruffles cascading from the knees was revealed, I found my thoughts drifting. Would I ever wear one of these? Would I ever be a bride?

I'd grown up being told that marriage was nothing but a noose around a woman's neck, a trap that would choke the ambition and independence out of me. Yet I'd seen firsthand how my friends at the academy had found mates who not only accepted their ambitions but helped them soar even higher.

Could Tivek have been one of those partners? Someone who would have supported me, challenged me, helped me become even better than I was on my own? If I'd given him the chance, would we have found a way to make it work?

But it was too late now. I'd pushed him away, convincing myself it was for the best. For my career. For my future. For the dreams my mother had sacrificed and wanted me to fulfill.

"Darling, are you even listening?" Serge's voice cut through my mental wanderings. "I asked what you thought of the neckline on this one."

"Sorry," I mumbled, forcing myself to focus on the gown before me. "It's nice, but I still prefer the one before it.”

"Hmph," Serge replied, clearly unconvinced by my taste.

The attendant smiled indulgently at our disagreement. "We have one more special piece that just arrived. It's quite unique."

She disappeared again, returning with a dress that clearly couldn’t fit in a bag. Serge gasped, and I couldn’t help joining him, but for entirely different reasons, I was sure.

The dress was a blinding, hot pink confection, with more ruffles, sequins, and beads than I'd ever seen on a single garment.

“Well knock me over with a feather!” Serge swooned, placing a dramatic hand over his heart. "It's magnificent!"

I stared at the gown, trying to imagine any bride willingly wearing something so outrageous on their wedding day.

"It's certainly one of a kind,” I managed diplomatically.

As Serge circled the dress, cooing over every gaudy detail, a small smile tugged at my lips despite my melancholy. At least I wouldn't have to worry about Serge planning a wedding for me. If I ever did decide to get married, I’d make sure the Gatazoid was nowhere near the planning process. And that was a big if.

For now, there was my career and my friends.

And nothing else, I thought with a resigned gulp. I’d made sure of that.

Chapter

Fifty-Five

Tivek

The bridge of the station was dimly lit compared to the rest of the gleaming white interior, reminding me more of a Drexian battleship than a tribute bride facility. Dark consoles lined the circular command center, each staffed by a focused Drexian officer. The soft beeping of sensors and occasional static burst from communications terminals created a rhythmic backdrop that was oddly comforting after a night of sleeplessness.

I rubbed my gritty eyes, trying to shake off the fatigue that clung to me like a second skin. Sleep had eluded me entirely. Every time I'd closed my eyes, Morgan's bright smile had appeared in my mind, alongside her casual dismissal of what I'd thought was something meaningful between us.

"Thank you for coming, Tivek," Captain Kalex said, stepping away from a discussion with a junior officer. His uniform was impeccable and his posture rigid, yet there was an ease abouthim that suggested comfort with his authority, rather than being burdened by it.

"It's an honor to see your command center," I replied, falling back on formality to mask my exhaustion.

Kalex studied me for a moment, his eyes narrowing slightly. "Would you mind if we took a walk through the station? I find that a change of scenery helps me think more clearly."

I nodded, grateful for the chance to move. Perhaps physical activity would help clear the fog from my mind.

We left the bridge, Kalex nodding to his second-in-command as we departed. The corridor outside was brighter, the transition making my eyes ache momentarily.