The gown was an ivory silk column dress with delicate beadwork along the neckline and a soft flowing train. It looked simple at first glance, but it carried a quiet kind of confidence.
Judith studied it with a critical look.
“It seems rather simple,” she said sharply. “People might assume it’s a cheap imitation.”
Harriet laughed softly.
“Unfortunately some families can’t afford better.”
Judith flipped the collar to check the label.
Then she froze.
Her face turned pale.
“That… can’t be real,” she whispered.
Inside the collar was the name Alessia Romano, an internationally famous Italian designer whose gowns were worn by royalty and celebrities.
Right then the doorbell rang.
Ethan opened the door and walked back in with my mom and a silver-haired woman whose presence immediately filled the room.
Judith gasped.
“Hello, Judith,” the woman said calmly. “It’s been a long time.”
My mom placed a hand on my shoulder.
“Judith,” she said, “this is Alessia Romano. We’ve been best friends since college in Milan.”
Judith stared in shock.
Alessia explained that my mother had once modeled for her early collections before choosing a quieter life in education after meeting my father.
The gown was a wedding gift.