Chapter 5

Aria

“Thank you, daddy!” I cheered, jumping up and down. I had finally heard the news I had been waiting for.

The Garcias agreed to our proposal. I would marry the love of my life, and I would become his wife.

“I know, muffin.” Dad smiled proudly. “When has dad ever let you down?”

“Never?”

“That’s right, never!” He pulled me closer while mom stood behind with a sour expression on her face. She was not fond of the idea of having Vincenzo Garcia as her son-in-law, but I luckily managed to persuade her with some good arguments.

If we could turn the Garcia name around, all families would be impressed with us.

“Aria, you barely even know this guy,” Mom spoke, unamused. “I told you Cesca and Lita have sons—“

“I’m going to marry Vince, mom.” I made it clear. “And nothing you’ll ever say or do will change how I feel about him.”

“You heard her, sweetheart.” Dad shrugged at mom. “So I’m thinking we should announce your engagement at your birthday party—to get the news out there.”

“I agree!” I nodded enthusiastically. The more, the merrier.

Having the opportunity to marry someone as handsome and kind as Vince was indeed something to brag about.

I heard nothing but amazing things about his personality. Others described him as strong, handsome, kind, determined, and respectful, especially towards women. My future husband was perfect.

“Do you want me to hire someone for the preparations?” Dad suggested.

“For what, the birthday or the wedding?” Mom asked, trying to sound uninterested.

“Both.”

“I’m her mother, so I’ll do it.” She brushed her hair to the side. I was her only daughter, and she loved attention, so it was only fair for her to prepare the wedding.

“Now that it’s my engagement party as well, I need to buy a hot dress!” I came to the realization. “So I was thinking, V-line, sparkling and short?” I posed, pouting my lips. “Short enough for Vince to get a nosebleed?”

“Look at my baby, all grown up!” Dad gushed, pinching my cheeks. “No man could ever deny her charms or beauty. That’s why the Garcias have instantly agreed to it!”

“I wonder where she got it from.” Mom gave us a one-sided shoulder shrug, making dad let go of my cheeks.

“From you, of course.” He opened his arms, pulling her into a hug. I cringed as mom stood on her tippy toes and kissed his nose.

“Okay, first of all—bleh.” I pulled a disgusted look. “Furthermore, I need Vince’s number so we can discuss what color to wear. I want us to match.”

“Of course, muffin. I’ll text you his number.” My dad shamelessly caressed the sides of mom’s thigh. “And for you, my love—for you, I’ve got a different plan.”

“Gross.” I gagged as a high-pitched giggle released from between mom’s lip. Even after all these years, they were still very much in love and behaved like newlyweds.

It would be the same for Vince and me. I was sure of it.

“Anyway, I’ll be out to find my perfect dress for the announcement.” I excused myself before heading downstairs.

No matter how many times I would repeat it in my head, it still seemed unreal. I was actually getting married to the man I wanted to be with. With a broad smile, I grabbed my phone to text the only friend I had made until now. Stella.

—

Aria

Dress shopping?

Stella

When?

Aria

Now!

Stella

I’m sorry, I can’t

I’m with Serena

Aria

No problem, have fun xx

—

Serena this, Serena that.

That bitch was like a cockroach that just wouldn’t go away.

It was already bad enough that I had no choice but to invite her to my birthday party because she was not only Christian’s wife but also an Alfonzo.

What if Vince looked at her the same way he did at the wedding?

How could someone’s wife be my rival? That part was still beyond me.

“To the mall, at once.” I lowered my sunglasses before snapping my fingers. One thing I loved about my comfortable life was that daddy always made sure I got whatever I desired. I never had to ask for something twice.

“Yes, Miss Morales!” The driver ran to the car to open the door for me.

“And give it some gas—will you?” I skipped to the back. “I’m in a bit of a hurry.”

“You got it, miss.”

A while later, I had found my store—a designer boutique that would undoubtedly have my perfect dress for my special day.

“Can I offer you a champagne?” One of the employees welcomed me. I pulled back my sunglasses to take a better look at the woman. She didn’t even ask me for my ID. I guess getting engaged gave me a more mature look—a special glow.

“Forget the champagne.” I shrugged her off. “I need you to show me your most expensive dress.”

“T-the most expensive?” The woman stuttered. “Please follow me!”

I followed the woman to a golden gown and froze at the magnificent piece of clothing in front of me. “Wow.”

That was it. That’s my dress.

“This is a $35.000 designer evening gown.” She spoke. “There is only one piece left.”

“It looks amazing. It looks perfect!” I gasped, touching the ends with my fingers. If I wore this at the announcement, Vince would not be able to take his eyes off me.

“I’ll—“

“Take it.” Someone dared to finish the sentence. “I’ll take that dress!”

Startled, I turned my head and stared at a girl whose outfit was almost similar to mine. My eyes traveled from her pink crop top, to her tight jeans and stopped at the identical designer bag in her hands. Was this a joke?

“Miss, we haven’t seen you in a long time.” The employee pushed me aside to greet the girl.

“Excuse me, miss.” I expressed my annoyance.

“I think you’re interrupting something here.”

“So 35K, you say? My dad will double it.” The girl continued, ignoring my words. “So do I pay in cash, card, or do you want me to write you a check?”

The saleswoman cackled loudly. “Whatever works for you, miss!” She covered her mouth with her hand.

Double it? I bet dad could triple it.

“Hello, that is my dress?” I tilted my head and waved at the unbothered girl.

“Oh, I’m sorry.” The girl spoke, finally addressing me. Perhaps she didn’t fully understand, but that was okay. As long as she apologized, there would not be an issue.

“I’m sure you can find something else over there…in the lower range section which suits you.” She surprised me instead. So there would not be an apology?

“What?”

“Does the dress come in a box?” The girl yet again ignored my existence. In my city, something like this would never happen. Not in a million years. No one would even dare to disrespect Aria Morales.

“Yes, it comes in a box—“

“I’m not letting you walk away with that dress!” I spoke loudly, protecting the piece of clothing with my arms. “There’s no way in hell!”

The girl placed her bag on the sofa and cracked her knuckles. “I know you’re not talking to me.” She chuckled in a mocking tone. “Do you even know who you’re talking to?”

Me?

“Do you know who you’re talking to?” I raised my voice and placed my bag on the floor. “The dress doesn’t even suit you, so I suggest you just let it go.”

“Thanks, but I’ll take the dress.” The girl waved her hands. “You wouldn’t be able to afford it anyway.”

Okay, that was it.

Calling me broke is where I drew the line

“I’ll give you one chance to apologize, and if you don’t—there will be some serious consequences,” I spoke calmly, killing hee with kindness. I’d be damned if I would accept this knockoff version of myself call me broke.

“Oh, wow!” The girl threw back her head in laughter.

“And what will those consequences be? Please show me. I would like to know!”