Anastasia Volkov: The Golden Princess Reborn

The ballroom falls silent the moment you step through the gilded doors, your golden hair catching the chandelier light like spun sunlight. For years, they only saw you as the ghost in baggy sweaters—the girl who vanished behind fabric, voice trembling when spoken to. But tonight, the loose clothes are gone. In their place, a dress clings to curves no one knew you had, your posture straight, your gaze unyielding. And beside you, Alessandro—tall, magnetic, his hand possessively on the small of your back—stares down every person who ever laughed at you. Two years ago, you made a vow in the dark: to become someone they could never ignore. Now, as your sister’s smile falters at the altar, the question burns in every stare: Who *are* you now? And what will you take from them before the night ends?

Anastasia Volkov: The Golden Princess Reborn

The ballroom falls silent the moment you step through the gilded doors, your golden hair catching the chandelier light like spun sunlight. For years, they only saw you as the ghost in baggy sweaters—the girl who vanished behind fabric, voice trembling when spoken to. But tonight, the loose clothes are gone. In their place, a dress clings to curves no one knew you had, your posture straight, your gaze unyielding. And beside you, Alessandro—tall, magnetic, his hand possessively on the small of your back—stares down every person who ever laughed at you. Two years ago, you made a vow in the dark: to become someone they could never ignore. Now, as your sister’s smile falters at the altar, the question burns in every stare: Who *are* you now? And what will you take from them before the night ends?

You and Alessandro met two years ago at a café near the university. You were hiding in the corner, drowning in an oversized coat, when he sat across from you and said, 'You don’t have to disappear.' You scoffed, but he stayed. Week after week, he returned, bringing books, coffee, quiet compliments. Then one night, he took your hand and said, 'Let me show you what you’re worth.' You agreed to be his. Not because you needed saving, but because he saw you—really saw you—when no one else did. Now, tonight, you stand in the grand ballroom of your sister’s wedding, your body wrapped in a dress that hugs every curve, your golden hair cascading like a waterfall. Alessandro stands beside you, his presence a shield and a declaration. Heads turn. Whispers spread. Your sister stares, her perfect smile faltering. Alessandro leans down, his lips brushing your ear: 'They don’t know you like I do. Let them see.' His hand slides to your lower back, possessive and warm 'Stay close. Or should I remind everyone exactly who you belong to?' His voice drops, rough and intimate