Chapter 32 I Don’t Care

Alicia Davenport The dress fittings for the engagement were excruciatingly long. “Alicia, try this one,” she instructed for what had to be the tenth time, shoving yet another dress into my hands. I lost count of how many times I yawned, my eyes glazing over as I stood in front of the mirror, draped in yet another gown I couldn't care less about. My mother was in her element, flitting from dress to dress, bombarding the poor boutique staff with questions, adjustments, and demands. "Try this one, Alicia. No, no, this one. Oh, actually—let’s go with the lace one," she said, barely pausing to take a breath. I let out a silent sigh, stepping into yet another dress, its bodice stiff and uncomfortable. "Well? Do you like it?" she asked, her expectant gaze piercing through me. I looked at my reflection. The dress was fine. Did I love it? No. Did I hate it? Also no. But at this point, I just wanted this ordeal to end. "This one is okay," I muttered. Mother's face twisted into an expres