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𝙱𝚞𝚌𝚔𝚢 𝚡 𝚁𝚎𝚊𝚍𝚎𝚛
The dress that wrapped itself around every curve of your body was surprisingly comfortable, despite its luxurious appearance. The fabric was a rich satin, its deep sheen reflecting the light as it flowed smoothly, pooling like a waterfall at your feet. As you moved, it allowed for just the right amount of freedom, not constricting or making you feel out of place. In fact, the way it draped over your body helped ease the nerves knotting in your stomach, even if only a little.
You took a final glance in the mirror as you applied the deep crimson lipstick, watching as the pigment filled the contours of your lips. The sharp angle of your eyeliner, the dark smudge that stretched across your lids, was the finishing touch. The person staring back at you was a stranger, Nova Cerenity—your alias for the mission, your new identity for the next few days. The woman in the mirror wore expensive silks, owned a purse worth more than you had saved in the past five years, and adorned herself with jewelry that you could never afford, not even on your best day.
On her left hand, the sight of a massive engagement ring sparkled under the light. It was a hefty band of gold, intricately engraved with tiny details that would only be visible to someone standing close. The diamond in the center was so large it almost looked ostentatious—too much, but in the best possible way. It almost made everything else seem like it belonged to a different world.
The ring was a gift from Tony Stark. Because when it came to undercover missions, S.H.I.E.L.D. (and Tony, particularly) did not take shortcuts. Every detail mattered. One slip-up, one misstep, and the entire operation could crumble. That's why you had spent hours, days even, crafting Gabriela Alderton's profile. It was detailed—down to the electives Gabriela had chosen in middle school: badminton and pottery. Everything had to be believable.
A knock on your door snapped you out of your reverie, pulling you back to the present. Your heart skipped as you walked across the room, your heels clicking against the floor. You turned the knob and opened the door.
And there he was.
Bucky Barnes, dressed in an anthracite suit that was made for him. The jacket clung to his broad shoulders, only partially buttoned, giving you a teasing glimpse of the perfectly pressed shirt underneath. How could someone look so effortlessly handsome, even when they weren't trying? He didn't have to lift a finger to make hearts flutter.
"Hello," he greeted you softly, his voice low and steady.
Your pulse raced as his eyes traced over you, absorbing every detail. It was like he was drinking you in, from your powdered face to the soft curve of your body where the satin clung just right. His gaze moved down, briefly lingering on the fabric that hugged you, and you noticed the way his fingers twitched as though he wanted to reach out but stopped himself.
"Hi," you said, your voice a little shakier than you would have liked. His attention made your cheeks flush, and you stepped aside, opening the door wider to let him in.
