Encore of the Avenging Muse (Sylvia and Rupert)

Reese came into the room, leaning gently on the arm of a shop assistant.

For a split second, Sylvia was completely stunned.

A thousand words floated through her mind, but in the end, only one stuck: ethereal.

Because Reese wore a prosthetic, she couldn't handle an overly complicated wedding dress. So the designer had created something special, just for her.

The top was a delicate corset of lace, dotted with layered organza petals-soft and airy, but with an edge of strength. The skirt flowed down in light, layered tulle, with a discreet slit at the hem so Reese could walk easily.

The whole look was dreamy, otherworldly-and with Reese's smile, it was impossible to imagine anyone more deserving.

Teetering in her high heels, Reese made her way over, beaming, and even shot Sylvia a playful look, as if to say, "Well? How do I look?"

Beautiful. Absolutely beautiful.

Sylvia nodded enthusiastically, forcing a smile. She didn't want to look like she was struggling to keep it together.

Reese seemed to take heart, letting go of the assistant's arm and walking, step by step, toward Rupert.

The boutique was decorated to feel like a real wedding venue, all soft lights and white roses.

Reese walked toward her fiancé, radiant.

It was a world Sylvia could never reach, not in a hundred lifetimes.

She stepped back, then back again, eager to slip away from all that golden light. Then, suddenly, Reese wobbled on her heels and fell right toward Rupert.

to catch her, but to stop her

pulled her into a steadying hug and gave her a

down at her shoes.

straight, his expression softening just a little. "You don't have to push

reach your shoulder. What's

room burst into

at them,

into the background, but

at her. "Ms. Lloyd, where's your

Sylvia

too busy watching Reese, so Mrs.

of it, barely glancing at Sylvia. "Mom, just pick something

moment, giving Sylvia a withering look before strutting over to the

picked out the plainest, most matronly dress she could find and

over.

Kay-was watching Sylvia, waiting for her to be

just smiled calmly. "If you like it, Mrs.

Hanson smirked. "That's right. A woman's supposed to do what her husband's family says on

her gaze and said

was just going to take

on Mrs. Hanson's

Just

assistant came in

with an orate English-style

l.ne