SEVENTY.

My body is almost vibrating with anticipation as the whole morning has flown by in a haze. After I had asked my mother and Eleni to give me a moment alone, I looked at my reflection in the floor-length mirror.

My fingers brush over the layers of lace and silk, toying with a few pearls that have been hand-stitched onto the bodice of the gown.

I can’t prevent the girly smile from spreading across my face like wildfire as I admire the gown that Ace had chosen for me.

Today’s the day that I start my new life and become Mrs. Ace Ripley, leaving my past behind like smoke drifting through my fingers – elusive, transparent.

I turn around when the sound of the door softly creeks open again. This time, it’s my father who enters the room with a large grin adorning his handsome face.

He places both of his hands over his mouth as his gaze lingers over my gown, then rises to my face.

“You look… beautiful, baby girl.” He says in a strained voice like he is doing his best to hold back his unshed t