Alessia:
I hadn’t dressed up in months.
Not since before Hope.
Not since before war threats and sleepless nights and learning how to exist in a body that no longer felt entirely like mine.
Not since Christmas eve when everything started in a way that I didn’t think I would get out of alive…
But at seven sharp, I stood in front of the door.
Waiting.
My dress wasn’t extravagant. It was simple, deep blue, soft fabric that fell just below my knees, hugging me in a way that reminded me I was still a woman and not just a mother. I hadn’t lost all my baby weight just yet, but I knew not to bother with it. My hair fell loosely over my shoulders. I’d taken my time with it.
For once, I wasn’t rushing.
The door opened behind me.
I turned.
Alexander stopped.
Actually stopped.
His eyes wid
