Page 66 of How to Break My Heart 1

“Oh, Maddy,” I gush, choking on my words. “You look stunning.”

Patricia nods with approval, but Georgina looks less than pleased.

“Maddy, darling. Wouldn’t a covered neckline be more appropriate?”

Maddy glances at me, pleading with her eyes for me to say something.

I stand, fixing the skirt, and say, “I think this dress is beautiful. After all, Maddy is the bride, so the decision isallhers.”

Patricia tilts her head but remains quiet, observing her daughter. “You look gorgeous. However, I guess it wouldn’t hurt to try on something with a covered neckline. A bit of lace can look elegant.”

I shrug at Maddy, and with a heavy sigh, she agrees to head back to the changing room to try on another dress. Patricia follows her with a few of her own choices for Maddy to try on.

This happens another five times.

I’ve already drunk three glasses of champagne, so I can ignore the forced conversations with both mothers.

As for Aston, he hasn’t responded. I feel bad for Ramona, who has also drunk several glasses. Between the two of us, thiswon’tend well. Thankfully, Maddy drove, so technically, I could get blind drunk if needed.

Maddy walks out again, but this time—she is glowing.

I take a deep breath, covering my mouth, holding back the tears I so desperately want to cry from seeing her in the mostperfectdress. The sheer bodice creates a semi-off-the-shoulder illusion with nude tulle and floating tattoo lace. It’s not as covered up as Georgina would like, but it’s a great compromise, in my opinion.

The floating lace continues over the long sleeves, with the back of the dress open. Unlike some of the other designs, this dress hugs Maddy’s curves. The most stunning piece of the dress is the extra-long scalloped train made with corded lace.

“This is the one,” Maddy whispers, gazing at me with dancing eyes. “It feels perfect.”

I jump up, wrapping my arms around her in a tight embrace. “It’s so you.”

“It is me.” Maddy pulls back with a grin.

As if the universe knew, the dress fits Maddy like a glove, needing minimal alterations. This is music to our ears given that the wedding isn’t far away. I reach for the tag on the dress, almost fainting from the hefty price. With $100,000 I could open anothertwocafés.

With the gown now chosen, next up are the bridesmaid dresses.

Maddy chooses two different styles so as not to overwhelm us. The three of us have agreed to try on both of them to see which one suits us better. The first is beautiful, suiting each one of our body types. The dress has a draped cowl neckline and a rich satin back.

“The color is berry hue,” the sales assistant informs us.

The second dress is lovely, too, with its intricate lace and flattering fit, but there’s no denying the first one steals the show. It has that perfect mix of elegance and charm.

Helena and her assistant crouch beside me, carefully pinning the fabric in place, murmuring about adjustments and tailoring as they work.

Maddy leans over, scrolling through photos on her phone to show us potential hairstyles, her excitement bubbling over. She tilts the screen toward me, displaying an elegant updo wrapped in tiny pearls. It’s no surprise Maddy is enjoying this fitting, since costumes and fancy dresses are her thing. I’m just glad she’s finally able to be in the moment. All week she’s been stressed with changes to the wedding plans.

Just then, Ramona’s phone pings from the chair. The sound cuts through our conversation, making us all glance over.

“What’s going on?” Maddy questions.

My lips press into a grimace before I blurt out, “Ramona asked your brother out to dinner.”

Ramona’s eyes widen in surprise. “Thanks a lot. And for the record, his message says he’s seeing someone.”

My body freezes, my focus shifted to my flipping stomach.

“Really? And besides, Mom told me in the changing roomyoutexted him.” Maddy’s mouth slackens, and then she continues, “He’s been in a horrible mood this week. I swear, he has man periods. If he’s seeing someone, wouldn’t he be getting laid and, therefore, be in a better mood?”

“Madelina,” her mother snaps. “We donotdiscuss such matters in public.”