𝐓𝐄𝐌𝐏𝐓𝐑𝐄𝐒𝐒 |𝟏𝟖+ (#𝟏)

𝚃𝚆𝙴𝙽𝚃𝚈-𝙽𝙸𝙽𝙴 |

29
AMBER JACKSON
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I went through the motions of the week in whichever way it presented itself, whether it was through my overindulgence in chocolate or sleep, especially when I was tapped out on my assignments and dissertation reading. At this pace, I'll be finished with my dissertation a month before it's due, giving me plenty of time to edit and add anything I need while also ensuring a successful defense.

The large package in front of my apartment door, beautifully tied with a red velvet bow and two smaller parcels on top, was a pleasant surprise. Pushing the door open I use my feet to push it through the space to see Jade seated on the couch eating Chinese takeout. "That's a big ass box." she says measuring the length with her keen eyes.

Throwing my keys in the bowl by the door I turn to look at her. "I don't even know what it is. I haven't ordered anything that warrants this kind of luxury." Her eyes perk up at the last word of my statement. I see the wheels turning in her head and I force them to brake when I say, "He didn't send it. I know him well enough that he's the type of person that will hold a grudge until I finally come out and answer his questions directly. It's been a month since I've even seen him. Why would he send this now?"

Lifting the smaller of the three boxes, I slowly unravel the bow before pulling it open. There was a silver bracelet, matching earrings and a stunning diamond necklace similar to the one I wore courtesy of Alessandro. I never took it off - and probably never would until I was fully over him. Slowly I pass the box over to Jade and she inspects it as I move to the next. The silver Guiseppe Zanotti heels are gorgeous and when I slip them on my feet they fit perfectly, the jeweled straps contrasting my dark skin and white toes. The final box holds two letters covered in a white wrapping sheet.

The black envelope contains a note from Lorenza, "The gorgeous gown for the gorgeous woman. It's more like your style for the gala based on what you liked and hated, and because you never came in for your fitting, I used the most recent measurements I had. I hope you haven't gained or lost any weight since I last saw you." I giggle because I've gained a few pounds since I last saw her, particularly in my breast area. There was never a missed meal while I lived with Alessandro, unlike when I was on my own and could subsist on simply dinner if necessary.

The red envelope contains a note from the one and only Georgio, "I dont give a fuck that you and my brother are on some weird sabbatical from each other that he isn't willing to explain. You're coming to my wedding and there is no way to get out of it. Franco will be there to pick you up at 1pm, January 4th. See you there, Amore. Myself and the rest of the family are looking forward to seeing you." I chuckle, shake my head, and hand the notes to Jade, who was busy trying on heels because we were both the same size and shared most of our clothes.

An exquisite silver and black high slit, off the shoulder gown graces my presence as I lift the wrapping paper. My best friend's whistle snaps me back to reality, reminding me that this is the second seventy-five thousand dollar garment this family has purchased for me. "Fuck, you're going to have that man on his knees," she exclaims, her gaze drawn to the dress's magnificence. "And don't say you aren't going. Seems one of the grooms want you there as well as the rest of them. Therefore, you have no choice in the matter." Fuck. She knows me well because I immediately feel bad about showing up to the wedding when my sole link to them hasn't spoken to or seen me in over a month.

"I think since your hair is already straightened, we should do some curls and pin it in some updo of the sort with some hair framing your face." She muses carefully, opening up pinterest and searching, oblivious to my distress at the prospect of meeting Alessandro after such a long time. "Also since it's silver, we could do a subtle glammed look for your makeup, soft glitter eyeshadow, brown lips. I want that man in the palm of your hands."