GREEK HUSBAND

Chapter 43

'Oh, yes, when I was younger I was absolutely mad about Edward! He was the full package—gorgeous, successful, strong—everything I wanted in a future husband,' the other woman admitted with a rueful laugh. 'Unfortunately, though, when it mattered I never made the girlfriend cut: Edward kept me firmly in the "friends" category. And when he suggested that we get married, I refused to listen to what he was saying and chose to assume that I meant more to him than he was willing to admit.' Her expressive lips compressed. 'Only I couldn't have been more wrong. He didn't mislead me, but any romantic feelings I once cherished for Edward were withered by his indifference.'

'He hurt you and yet you've forgiven him,' Bella commented in surprise.

Marina shrugged as she led the way into a designer bridal boutique. 'Life's too short for anything else. Just be sure you know what you're getting into with Edward because I doubt very much that he'll change.'

A small posse of instants was waiting to greet them. Bella was extracted from her coat while Marina spoke to the designer, an effervescent blonde. Bella posed like a small statue while she was measured and wondered if she did have the slightest idea what she was getting into in choosing to marry Edward. Evidently, he hadn't ever been in love with Marina. Furthermore, Marina had ultimately found someone else to love as well, which was what made it possible for the brunette to civilly accept the bride Edward was taking in her place.

'Surely it doesn't matter what I wear to a civil ceremony?' Bella whispered to Marina.

'It will be your first appearance as Edward's wife and you'll feel more confident if you're properly turned out,' Marina***erted sagely. 'Being badly dressed won't impress anyone.'

'I don't really care about impressing people,' Bella admitted.

'But in our world, whether you like it or not, appearances do matter,' Marina traded without apology. The designer remarked that white and cream drained Bella of color and tested less orthodox shades against her skin. Even Bella recognized the dress when it was held against her, an unconventional choice that provided an amazingly flattering background for her vibrant hair and pale complexion.

And as the seemingly endless day wore on with a lengthy trip to Harrods and the additional services of a very helpful fashion stylist, Bella discovered that she liked, possibly even loved, expensive, well-made clothes. Her fingers smoothed the softest cashmere, stroked silk, and traced the delicate patterns of lace and exquisite embroidery. Astonishment and growing awe gripped her when those pricey designer garments shaped her figure and made her look so much better than she had ever dreamt she could look. When the overwhelming shopping experience was finally finished she slid her feet into comfy little pumps teamed with a short black skirt and a zingy sapphire-blue jacket and studied her sleek and elegant reflection in positive stupefaction. For the first time ever Bella thought she looked pretty and that maybe a spot of cosmetic enhancement would help even more.

'Thanks for everything,' she murmured with heartfelt gratitude to Marina, who had waved a magic wand over her as a fairy godmother bent on transforming Cinderella.

'Tomorrow you hit the beauty salon for some treatments and you won't be thanking me then. You haven't ever even plucked your eyebrows, have you?' the brunette prompted in a mixture of amusement and fascination.

Bella winced. 'Is it that obvious?'

Marina laughed. 'Comfort yourself with the knowledge that, in spite of your laissez-faire attitude in the grooming stakes, Edward admitted he couldn't take his eyes off you the first time he saw you.'

'He actually told you that?' Bella prompted, color flaring in her pale cheeks.

Marina nodded confirmation. 'At least he was honest.'

Back at the hotel, Bella went straight up to the suite Edward was using. A stranger opened the door and two others were hovering around the desk at which Edward sat, his jacket off, his tie loosened, broad shoulder muscles flexing below a white silk shirt as he turned his head and stared fixedly at Bella where she hovered, uncertain of her welcome.