#Chapter 52: The Country Club

Kayla The ride home was quiet, save for the sound of the bags rustling between my feet and the hum of the car’s engine. I kept staring down at the two dresses Nicholas had purchased for me, my head swirling with conflicting emotions every time I saw the champagne and crimson fabrics. I knew it was all just for show. I wasn’t stupid. But I couldn’t help but imagine what it would be like if it weren’t. Nicholas, as usual, seemed entirely unbothered, one hand on the steering wheel and the other draped casually over the center console. He seemed to be lost deep in thought, a muscle faintly ticking in his jaw as he stared at the road ahead. I glanced at him, then back at the bags, my thumb brushing over the edge of the silky fabric of the champagne dress. The dresses were beautiful, and his gesture had been unexpectedly thoughtful. He didn’t have to take me dress shopping—he could have just ordered a plain white dress to fill the role for our fake weddin