CLAIRE

At six o'clock, I gave up on work and went to my room to get ready, I stood in front of my closet, looking at the limited selection of formal wear. The emerald dress I'd worn to the gala was beautiful, but Julian had already seen it.

I wanted to wear something different. My eyes landed on another design I'd had Nina make as a sample, one I hadn't worn publicly yet.

Deep burgundy, off-shoulder, fitted through the bodice and flowing from the waist. It was elegant without being too formal, sophisticated without being stuffy.

I pulled it out and held it up to myself in the mirror. Yes,...