Page 28 of Bound to the Bratva
Malia leans forward, her eyes reflecting both curiosity and apprehension. "Is there anything else we need to do before the big day?"
I draw in a deep breath, knowing my next words will not be easy to hear. "There is one thing...something kind of big that I haven't done yet."
Hell, they're probably going to lose it when I tell them.
Immediately, I feel Emily's gaze bore into me, as if she already knows what I'm about to reveal. "Okay, spill it," she demands.
I take another deep breath and steel myself for their reactions. It won't be pretty, but at least I know I have these amazing friends by my side to help me through it all. "I don't have a dress yet."
A collective gasp rings around the room, and I can see the shock and disbelief in their eyes. "You don't have a dress yet? Are you serious?" Lori's voice cracks with disbelief and a bit of annoyance.
Malia's eyes widen, and tears form in the corners of her eyes from laughing so hard. "How could you not have a dress? Aria, it's your wedding! We have to fix this right now, like today!"
I sigh, trying to explain my situation. "I know, Malia. But right now, dress shopping seems so unimportant compared to everything else going on. I just can't focus on it."
Emily nods, understanding where I'm coming from. "You're right, it's not the most important thing right now. But still, we should try to find a dress for you. It might give you a little something to look forward to."
Lori chimes in, her voice filled with determination. "We'll help you, Aria. We'll make this a fun day for you, a distraction from everything else. We promise."
I always envisioned being able to go into a bridal boutique and have the time of my life trying on dresses with my loved ones nearby, but I don't think it will turn out that way.
With a heavy heart, I manage a small smile. "Thank you, guys. You have no idea how much it means to me."
"I want to know what you were going to wear to the wedding if you didn't go dress shopping." Lori pipes up.
I roll my eyes, "Knowing my father and evil stepmother, they have something they picked out for me."
"Fuck that. Come on, there's no time to waste and we have to get shopping. There's only four days until the wedding, so there's hardly any time for alterations." Lori stands up, heading for the door. She turns back and looks at the group of us. "What the hell are you waiting for? Come on!"
As Lori's voice echoes in the room, we all scramble to our feet like kids being given instructions by their overbearing mother. With a burst of energy, we follow her lead and rush out of the apartment, the excitement hanging in the air.
The sun shines brightly overhead, casting a warm golden glow upon us. I have some hope that today is going to be a very good one, that we're going to have a great time and I might just end up picking out a dress.
The only thing that's a little upsetting is the fact my mother can't be here. She was let go by my father and stepmother, but I told her to lay low and stay hidden in the meantime. She was furious that he did that to her, and once I explained why she was so upset. She didn't want love to be chosen for me. All she wanted was for me to be loved.
We pile into Emily's car, eagerly buckling up and exchanging excited glances. The engine roars to life, and we speed down the familiar streets toward the local bridal boutique. There are plenty we could choose from, but finding the closest boutique is probably the best decision.
Arriving at the boutique, we are welcomed by a picturesque storefront adorned with elegant wedding gowns, displayed like works of art. The delicate lace and shimmering beads stand out to me, and then I see dresses that have jewels on them. The little girl who envisioned wedding dresses would be so happy right now.
Entering the boutique, we're immediately engulfed by an exquisite blend of silk, chiffon, and tulle. Soft music dances through the space, adding an ethereal touch to the atmosphere. Meanwhile, the scent of fresh vanilla wafts through the air.
A sales assistant approaches us with a warm smile, sensing our mixture of nerves and excitement. "Welcome! How can I assist you today?" she asks, her eyes sparkling with genuine interest.
I take a deep breath, feeling a renewed surge of determination. "I have a wedding in four days," I confess with a hint of trepidation. "And I don't have a dress yet."
The sales assistant's eyes go wide as she takes in what I've just said. "Well, luckily for you my appointment cancelled last minute. Do you have an hour or two?"
I nod eagerly, "Yes, I have three hours if you need it."
The associate smiles widely, "Good. Follow me and we'll get your entourage seated, then you and I can discuss what you're looking for in your dream dress."
My heart beats excitedly as the sales assistant leads me to a secluded corner of the boutique where plush velvet chairs are in front of a stage with mirrors behind it.
As I sink into the softness, I take a moment to glance around at my friends, their eyes sparkling with excitement, ready to see me try on some wedding dresses. While this might not be the way I wanted to get married, I am going to be married and I should have a dress I absolutely adore.
The saleswoman gracefully takes her seat opposite me, her fingers interlacing just below her chin. Her eyes, a warm copper hue, radiate a sense of understanding and expertise. "Tell me," she begins softly, "what does the dream dress you've always envisioned look like?"
I pause, momentarily caught in the plethora of possibilities dancing through my mind. "Well," I finally begin, "I've always envisioned myself in a dress that is unique. Something unexpected, and something that embraces tradition while adding a touch of modern flair."
