Chapter 1: Yes to the dress

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Did you forget that I've got a thing called emotion

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I was sitting on a mall bench next to my best friend, Ella. Today, I was feeling down for various reasons, but I didn't want it to affect our time together.

Ella noticed my gloomy expression and spoke up, trying to cheer me up. "Hey, don't look so sad. I don't like seeing you like this."

I couldn't help but respond sarcastically, "Oh, sorry for bringing you down with my misery."

She quickly clarified her intention, "No, that's not what I meant. I just want you to have faith that things will get better."

Taking a deep breath, I admitted, "You're right." I leaned my head against her shoulder. "But waiting for things to improve is frustrating. I wish everything could be good right now, not later."

We sat there silently for a few minutes, lost in our thoughts. As I gazed at our reflection in a nearby glass window, I noticed Ella's striking features. Her long blond hair cascaded down to the middle of her back, complementing her golden skin and freckles. She wore a beautiful light blue dress with a deep V-neckline, paired with white Nike shoes.

After a while, Ella put her arm around me and gestured toward a nearby store. "Let's take a break from all this and go on a little shopping spree at H&M."

"Ella, I don't think I'll find my wedding dress at H&M," I replied in a flat tone, devoid of humor.

She chuckled and playfully teased, "Well, we can at least start there. Besides, H&M is the best store, so you can't say no to that."

I couldn't help but laugh at her persistence. "Fine, but let's go to a real wedding dress store. But just so you know, my taste is a bit more expensive than H&M."

Ella grinned and said, "I told you things would start to get better."

"Yeah, because laughter magically solves everything," I retorted sarcastically, pulling her along with me toward the genuine bridal store.

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An hour later, after trying on numerous dresses, I still hadn't found the perfect one. Some of the gowns I loved were deemed too revealing by my conservative fiancé's grandparents, who had a say in the matter. God forbid I choose whatever I want. 

This was already the twelfth dress store we had visited, and frustration was settling in. Seeking a moment alone, I asked if I could explore the store alone.

As I browsed through a rack of exquisite gowns, my eyes locked on a dress that seemed perfect. It exuded elegance and modesty, striking a balance that would satisfy both my desires and the expectations of my fiancé's family.

I snatched it off the hangar and hurried back to the fitting room to try it on. The dress boasted an ethereal design, with delicate lace cascading down the bodice, forming intricate patterns that danced along the edges. The neckline was a graceful illusion style, adorned with subtle beadwork that shimmered under the soft store lights.

The gown hugged my figure gently, accentuating my curves in a sophisticated yet modest way. The waistline cinched in slightly, creating an elegant hourglass silhouette, before cascading into a flowing skirt. Layers of tulle and organza billowed out, creating a dreamy effect as I walked.

The back of the dress was just as captivating as the front. Sheer lace panels revealed a hint of skin, while satin-covered buttons trailed down the spine, adding a touch of timeless romance. It was a harmonious blend of tradition and modernity, ensuring that it would please both my conservative family and my own personal taste.

As I stood there in the reflection, I couldn't help but feel a surge of confidence. The dress embodied a sense of grace and beauty that I had never experienced before. It was a symbol of the momentous occasion that awaited me, even if it wasn't entirely my choice.

Taking a deep breath, I knew that despite the circumstances, this dress would make me feel like a bride, radiating an undeniable allure as I walked down the aisle.

When I stepped out to show Ella, her jaw dropped in awe, her face lighting up with a wide grin. However, her expression soon shifted to sadness.

Understanding the cause of her sudden change, I gave her a reassuring smile, silently assuring her that I was okay. In an instant, her frown transformed back into a cheerful grin.

The helpful assistant returned with a matching wedding veil and tiara, completing the ensemble. The veil featured a delicate lace trim that mirrored the patterns on the dress, gracefully draping over my shoulders. The tiara, adorned with glistening crystals, added a regal touch, gently resting atop my head.

 As I beheld myself in the mirror, I realized that I genuinely liked the dress—maybe not for the marriage itself, but I felt beautiful in it. While I had never envisioned getting married at such a young age, my family's expectations had made it inevitable. I wished I had more say in the matter and could wait until I was older.

"You look amazing," Ella complimented, her smile infectious.

Returning her smile, I nodded and replied, "Yes."

"So, are you saying 'yes' to the dress?" Ella asked playfully.

Laughing, I confirmed, "I am saying 'yes' to the dress." With that, I headed back to the fitting room to change into my own clothes.

As I glanced at the dress I had chosen, I couldn't help but marvel at its beauty. It was grand yet tasteful, meeting the requirements of my family. Though I wasn't sure if they would love it, I knew it was my wedding dress, and that mattered.

After changing into my casual attire—a blue jean skirt, a white skinny tank top, and black sandals—I prepared to leave. The assistant took my measurements for the dress before I could depart.

With a quick brush through my long brown hair, I emerged from the fitting room and joined Ella. I slung my black bag over my shoulder, then pulled out my phone to check my messages. To my annoyance, there was a text from Antonio, my fiancé.

From: Antonio
I'm waiting at the jewelry store. I want you to come there when you're done. And I hope you've finally chosen a dress because if you haven't, I'll just walk into that store and buy the first dress I see, making it your wedding dress.

Antonio was always so demanding and difficult to deal with.

From: Bianca
Don't worry, I've decided on a dress for you. I think it's already been ordered and paid for. I'll be there in 10 minutes.

Putting my phone away in my bag, I turned to Ella. "Looks like we have to make a detour to the jewelry store."

Curious, she asked, "Why? What's going on?"

Shrugging my shoulders, I replied, "I don't know. I guess my wedding ring is done." With that, I started walking towards the jewelry store, accompanied by Ella and two bodyguards trailing behind.



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Song: Emotion
By: Astrid S
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Please vote and comment!

I really hope you liked the first chapter. The chapters get longer and better. ❤️❤️

In the next chapter, you'll meet Bianca's fiance Antonio.

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