I had always dreamed of this day. The day I stood in front of a mirror in a beautiful white dress. The day I become someone's wife and the day I let go of my virginity to the man I love.
I gave myself a soft smile as I admired the dress. The ivory satin gown flowed down my body like a river of moonlight, its delicate lace trim shimmering with a subtle hint of silver. Tiny seed pearls danced along the bodice, weaving patterns that seemed to shift and shine with every breath. The corseted waist cinched tight, emphasizing the gentle curve of my hips, while the full skirt fell in soft folds to the floor, like a whispered promise. My auburn hair was braided to form a crown with pins that looked like fireflies, but felt like death as they scratched my scalp.
My mother's fingers grazed the lace trim, her touch trembling slightly as she smoothed out a nonexistent wrinkle. She was nervous.
