Seduction's Shadow

Chapter 76: The dress

Aari stood before the full-length mirror, her reflection staring back at her like a stranger. She barely recognized the woman in the mirror—her eyes were shadowed with worry, her shoulders tense with the weight of the choice she'd been forced to make. The spacious dressing room, adorned with elegant chandeliers and lined with plush seating, felt more like a cage than a place of luxury.

Theo had spared no expense. The entire room was filled with gowns, each more extravagant than the last, in every shade of white, ivory, and cream. Silks, satins, and lace beckoned her from every corner, the sheer opulence of it all making her feel even more trapped. Aari knew this wasn't just about choosing a dress—it was another move in Theo's twisted game. Every choice she made, every step she took, was another thread being woven into the web he had spun around her.

A soft knock on the door pulled her from her thoughts. A middle-aged woman with silver-streaked hair entered, her demeanor calm and professional. She was clearly one of Theo's staff, dressed in a simple black dress that contrasted sharply with the luxurious surroundings.

"Miss Aari," the woman said gently, her voice betraying no emotion. "Mr. Russo has requested that you select a gown for the engagement ceremony. I'm here to assist you with whatever you need."

Aari's mouth felt dry as she nodded, her mind reeling from the events of the last few hours. She felt the weight of the decision she was about to make—not just about the dress, but about how she would carry herself in the face of Theo's control. She needed to stay strong, to find a way to fight back, even if it meant playing along for now.

She walked over to the nearest gown, running her fingers over the delicate lace. It was a beautiful dress, no doubt, but the thought of wearing it in a ceremony that was nothing more than a forced agreement made her stomach churn. Every dress in the room was a symbol of her captivity, a reminder of the man who had orchestrated this nightmare.

Aari stood in front of the mirror, a wicked smile tugging at the corners of her lips. The gown she had chosen was the antithesis of everything Theo would want for his future wife. It was a black, form-fitting dress that left little to the imagination. The plunging neckline dipped daringly low, the fabric clinging to her curves like a second skin. The slit ran dangerously high up her thigh, and the back of the dress was almost nonexistent, held together by the thinnest of straps that crisscrossed over her bare skin. It was bold, it was provocative, and it was exactly what she needed to piss him off.

She could already imagine the look on Theo's face when he saw her in it—a mix of shock and disapproval. But as much as she relished the idea of pushing his buttons, she couldn't ignore the unease simmering beneath her defiance. She was playing a dangerous game, one she wasn't sure she could win.

The door creaked open, and Theo stepped inside, his eyes immediately falling on her. For a moment, he didn't say anything, just stared at her with an expression that was impossible to read. Then, slowly, his lips curled into a smirk.

"You must be fucking kidding me," Theo drawled, his voice laced with sarcasm. He took a few steps closer, his gaze sweeping over her with a mixture of amusement and disdain. "My fiancée will never wear that."

Aari crossed her arms over her chest, meeting his gaze with a challenging look. "Why not? It's just a dress."

Theo's smirk deepened, but his eyes were cold as they locked onto hers. "Because, baby, you're going to be Mrs. Russo. And Mrs. Russo doesn't dress like she's auditioning for a role in a cheap movie."

Aari bristled at his words, but before she could retort, Theo raised a hand, cutting her off. "Wait, let me have a look."

He moved past her, his fingers brushing against the fabric of the black gown as he searched through the racks of dresses. He dismissed most of them with a glance, his expression growing more focused as he hunted for the perfect choice. Then, his hand stilled, and he pulled out a gown with a flourish.

"This," Theo said, holding up the dress for her to see. "This is what Mrs. Russo should wear."

The gown was a masterpiece. The fabric was a soft, shimmering white, almost like liquid moonlight, with a fitted bodice that accentuated her waist before flowing into a full, billowing skirt. The neckline was a deep V, but it was tasteful, showing just enough skin to be alluring without crossing into the realm of vulgarity. The back was low, with delicate lace detailing that added a touch of romance to the otherwise seductive design. It was the perfect blend of sensuality and elegance, making her look angelic yet undeniably desirable.

Theo's eyes glittered with satisfaction as he handed her the gown. "Put it on. I want to see how it looks on you."

Aari hesitated, the weight of his command pressing down on her. But she knew there was no point in arguing. With a resigned sigh, she took the dress and disappeared into the changing room.

When she emerged, Theo was waiting, his gaze intense as he took in the sight of her. The dress clung to her figure, the soft fabric caressing her skin and making her look ethereal. She felt exposed, vulnerable, and yet... powerful in a way she hadn't expected.

Theo's eyes darkened as he approached her, his hand reaching out to trace the curve of her waist. "Now, this is more like it," he murmured, his voice low and teasing. "You look... angelic."

He circled her slowly, his fingers brushing against the bare skin of her back as he moved. "I feel like selecting what you'll wear underneath as well," he added, his tone dripping with dark humor. "But we'll save that for later. For now, let's focus on the ring."

Aari's heart pounded as he led her to the display of rings. The sight of the sparkling diamonds made her feel even more like a pawn in his game. She picked the tiniest ring she could find, a simple band with a modest diamond.

Theo glanced at her choice and let out a soft, mocking laugh. "Oh, sweetheart," he said, shaking his head. "You really think Mrs. Russo would wear something like that?"

He reached for another ring, this one a large, ornate piece that glittered with a massive, flawless diamond set in an intricate, vintage-inspired band. The diamond was surrounded by smaller stones, each one catching the light and sending off a cascade of sparkles. The ring was opulent, extravagant, and screamed wealth and power.

"This," Theo said, holding up the ring for her to see. "This is what you'll wear."

Aari stared at the ring, the weight of it almost tangible even before she put it on. It was everything she despised about this whole charade—excessive, showy, and designed to flaunt their power. But she knew better than to argue.

Theo took her hand and slid the ring onto her finger, his eyes never leaving hers. "There," he said, his voice soft but laced with a dangerous edge. "Now you look like the future Mrs. Russo."

Aari's heart sank as she looked down at the ring, the cold metal feeling like a shackle around her finger. She had chosen the tiniest ring in a futile attempt to assert some control, but Theo had made sure she knew just how little power she really had.

As Theo stepped back, a satisfied smirk playing on his lips, Aari forced herself to meet his gaze. The game was far from over, but she knew one thing for sure—she wasn't going to let him win without a fight.