—Eloise—

The clock ticked as I stood in front of the mirror while Mrs. Collins adjusted a loose hairpin. I was wearing an Émile Laurent sequin dress with a pair of silver heels.

The glam team had come and gone.

I looked at the time. I was a few minutes late for my engagement party.

Good.

Let him wait. Let him feel the anxiety of everything he'd put me through over the past few weeks.

Mrs. Collins stepped back.

“You look beautiful,” she said.

I forced a smile.

...