**Chapter 10: A day of elegance and vows**
The sun dipped low in the sky, casting a warm glow over the sprawling gardens of the Valero estate. As the debutante season came to a close, Ophelia was eagerly preparing for her upcoming wedding, while Avril felt the weight of her lesser status within the family. Today, they were set to visit Madame Fleur, the most sought-after dressmaker in the region, for Ophelia's final fitting.
As they arrived at the elegant shop, its windows displayed an array of exquisite gowns that shimmered like jewels. The scent of silk and freshly pressed fabric enveloped them. Ophelia's excitement was palpable, her eyes sparkling as she stepped into the shop, while Avril lingered behind, feeling more like a shadow than a companion.
"Come on, Avril! Let's see how I look!" Ophelia called, barely sparing a glance back at her cousin.
Avril followed her into the fitting room, trying to muster genuine enthusiasm. She had long accepted that her place in the family was to support Ophelia, the favored daughter, who basked in the spotlight.
Madame Fleur emerged with the first gown-a delicate creation of ivory lace and shimmering tulle. "Ah, my dear Ophelia! Let's see how you look in this masterpiece," she said, her voice filled with warmth.
Ophelia twirled in front of the mirror, her smile widening as she admired herself. "Oh, Avril! What do you think?" she beamed.
Avril hesitated, noticing how the dress hugged Ophelia's figure perfectly. "It's lovely, but perhaps a touch too fitted for a wedding?" She fought to keep her voice steady, aware that her opinion often went unheard.
Madame Fleur raised an eyebrow, intrigued. "A valid point. Let's adjust the waistline to allow for more movement."
As the dressmaker began making alterations, Avril observed Ophelia, who was lost in her own reflection, her joy radiating from her. It made Avril feel all the more invisible-an outsider in the very moment that was meant to celebrate her cousin.
After several fittings, Madame Fleur presented a second gown, this one adorned with intricate embroidery. Ophelia gasped, her eyes wide with delight. "This is the one, isn't it?"
"It's beautiful," Avril agreed, though the dress's extravagance felt like a reminder of the life she felt she would never attain.
As the fitting continued, the sisters engaged in light-hearted banter, but Avril's mind drifted. The more Ophelia beamed, the more she felt the burden of her own unrealized dreams. She yearned for something more than merely standing in Ophelia's shadow.
"Are you alright, Avril?" Ophelia asked, her voice breaking through Avril's thoughts. "You seem a bit distant."
Avril forced a smile. "I'm just thinking about how wonderful your wedding will be. You deserve every happiness."
"Thank you," Ophelia replied, though Avril noticed a flicker of concern in her cousin's eyes. "But don't forget you have your own future to think about, too."
Avril swallowed hard. "I'm happy to support you, Ophelia. That's what I'm here for."
Madame Fleur returned with the final gown-a breathtaking creation of soft lavender. Ophelia gasped again, her expression lit with joy. "This one is perfect," she said, spinning to admire herself from every angle.
"It's... lovely," Avril managed to say, feeling the familiar pang of envy mixed with resignation. It was a beautiful gown, and yet it felt like another reminder of the distance between them.
As they left the shop, the evening air cool against their skin, Avril couldn't shake the feeling of being on the outside looking in. The journey back to the cottage felt longer than usual. Her aunt had been preoccupied with Ophelia's impending marriage, and Avril was often left to her own thoughts, grappling with the disparity between their lives.
