Reclaimed By My Alpha (Natalia and Andrei) novel Chapter 496

“Then you’ll just have to try again another night. But I have a feeling tonight is going to be exactly what you both need.” She stood and pulled me to my feet. “Now come on. Let’s make you irresistible.”

Grace spent the next two hours working on me. After I showered, she did my hair for me, pinning it up into a half -up–half–gown style that left a few loose curls framing my face. Then she moved on to makeup. Nothing too heavy, just enough to make my eyes pop and my lips look fuller.

When she was finished with the makeup, she handed me a small box. “I brought you something.”

I opened it and found a set of lingerie. Delicate lace in a deep burgundy color. My eyes widened.

“Grace, I can’t wear this!” I gasped.

“Yes, you can. Trust me, it’ll make you feel confident. And Andrei will appreciate it.” She winked. “Put it on.‘

My face heated, but I went into the bathroom and changed. The lingerie fit perfectly, hugging my curves in all the right places. When I looked at myself in the mirror, I barely recognized the woman staring back at me. I looked… powerful. Sexy.

I walked back into the bedroom, and Grace whistled.

“Damn, girl. If Andrei doesn’t appreciate that, I’m going to kick his ass myself.”

I laughed and pulled on the dress over the lingerie. Grace helped me with the zipper, and then I turned to look at myself in the full–length mirror.

The dress was perfect. The golden fabric caught the light and made my skin glow. The neckline was low and alluring, and the skirt moved freely and comfortably.

“You look incredible,” Grace breathed.

I touched the fabric, running my fingers over the embroidery. “I feel incredible.” I hadn’t felt this good since… I

couldn’t even remember.

With that, I slipped on the shoes and took one last look in the mirror. I couldn’t help but smile.

Next, I helped Grace get ready. She wanted braids, so I carefully twined her hair into an intricate style with little silver charms and beads, then helped her into her flowing blue dress. I did her makeup for her, and when we were finished, we headed downstairs.

Hope was with one of the servants tonight, too little to attend such a party. The twins were all ready–Jane was in the dress I’d ordered for her from the seamstress, and Max was already halfway through undoing his bowtie while Damon rolled his eyes at him.

I looked around the room, searching for Andrei. I wanted to see his reaction. Wanted to watch his eyes widen when he saw me in this dress. Wanted him to tell me I looked beautiful.

But he wasn’t there.

“You ladies look stunning,” Damon said.

“Thank you. Where’s Andrei?” I asked.

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Chapter 496

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Damon’s smile faltered. “He’s going to be late tonight. Some last–minute pack business came up that he needed to handle.” Before I could respond, Damon stepped forward and offered both Grace and me his elbows. “I’ll be escorting you ladies this evening.”

Grace took his arm without hesitation, but I was frozen. Andrei was supposed to be here. He was supposed to see me in this dress. We were supposed to walk to the festival together.

For a little while, we were supposed to be fucking normal. Why couldn’t we have that?

“Natalia?” Damon said gently.

I forced myself to take his arm and smiled. “Let’s go,” I said, pretending I didn’t notice Grace’s apologetic look. I took Max’s hand, and Grace took Jane’s.

We walked toward the door, but just before we left, I looked over my shoulder at the empty hallway behind us one last time. A naive little part of me hoped to see Andrei come running out, apologizing for being late and telling me how beautiful I looked.

But he didn’t.

Disappointment settled in my stomach like a brick, threatening to drag me down beneath the cold waters of

resentment.

I tried to keep my head above the surface, but my golden dress suddenly felt waterlogged and heavy.

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