The Spy

After spending the day planning a wedding, everyone departed to their various rooms, agreeing to visit the bridal store for dress alterations the next day. 

Cara was especially tired, and the moment she got into her and Adonis's room on the third floor, she passed out like a log of wood. Although she was so tired and could hardly lift a finger, she couldn't wait for the next day to come. Tina had called sometime around noon to inform her that she'd be returning the next day also, and this made Cara happy.

At long last, the thought of having a friendly face around caused a huge weight to be lifted off her shoulders.

Not that she wasn't grateful for everyone she'd come to know at the mansion, especially because they weren't anything like Adonis, but this was totally different. Tina was someone she knew before getting mixed up in Adonis's world. 

She woke up the next day, looking forward to seeing Tina, who had agreed to meet up with them at the bridal shop, and Adonis not being there when she awoke was also a bonus point for her.

Awaking in such a good mood was a rarity for her, and Cara was determined to reel in this feeling and she danced around to the hum of one of her favourite songs while she got ready for the day. Her phone beeped and she hurried over to see who it was, half expecting a text from Tina, she picked it up

Her eyes scanned the text.

Wait.

Just one word again. Although it wasn't what she expected, she didn't feel disappointed. Instead, she felt her stomach churn with a bundle of nerves.

What does this mean? Does he want her to stay indoors today?

Cara considered sending a reply, even if it was just a question mark, but the thought of her phone being bugged erased that option from her mind. She immediately deleted the text she had just received and resumed her dress-up.

He said to wait, so she was going to wait. 

****

"Tina!" Cara exclaimed as her friend walked into the bridal shop. She was a short girl bubbly girl with a black bob haircut.

Meeting Tina was by chance as they had met and bonded when Cara got her dishwashing job a few years back. Just like her, Tina was also struggling to earn a living, but the difference was that she chose to leave her family.

For what reason? She never told Cara, and if there was one thing Cara had come to know during her struggles, it was to never pry into anyone else's business. 

"Hey everyone! I'm Augustina Brooks. Cara's best friend." Tina happily waved with a bright smile. 

This was another difference between her and Cara. While Cara was the closed-off and quiet one, Tina was outgoing and easy to talk to. 

They all exchanged hellos and small talks and soon enough, it was time for everyone to try on their dresses. Cara went in to try hers with Tina hot on her heels.

"Psht"

Cara ignored her. 

"Cara!" She whispered-yelled again, and the attendants threw her a questioning look.

"Sorry. Cara, I know you can hear me." 

Cars turned towards her.

"What?"

"You didn't tell me the man you were getting married to was rich. Do you know how much it costs to get a dress from this establishment?" 

Cara sighed. She explained the entire situation to Tina over the phone, opting to leave out information on what Adonis does and his wealth status. She didn't think she could handle Tina pelting questions from across the phone.

"Well, now you know. That's basically why I'm doing this." She gave her a knowing look before glancing around.

It's been over an hour since they arrived here, but she had yet to see any sign of Antonio. 

Her mind raced with different questions. She could hardly concentrate on one thing since she got his text in the morning. She wanted to be alert to avoid missing any subtle signs that might be from him.

Why did he choose a day like this? What exactly did he have planned out?

Whatever it was, it'd have to wait, like he said, Cara thought as she was ushered into the showroom. 

The moment she caught sight of herself in the mirror, she couldn't help but release a contented smile.

The dress was everything and more without alterations, and with a little twitch here and there, it'd be perfect. She straightened out the huge skirt of the off-white gown. The style was by no means modern; it had four steps and lace trimmings at the arm and neck that made her look like a 1900s bride, but to Cara, no other gown would've looked better. 

She looked up to see Nadia, Cecelia, and Tina watching her with a look of adoration on their faces. 

They had also changed into simple deep v-neck cut ivory dresses, except for Nadia, who opted for a simple purple flare gown.

She walked up to Cara and took her hand in hers.

"You look so beautiful, dear." 

Cara felt a lone tear slip out of her eyes at the motherly affection. She wished more than ever that her mother could see her in a dress like this, but that was just a fairytale. 

Wishes don't come true and as beautiful as the gown was. It wasn't right for her. This was all a sham. A charade. The marriage and her relationship with these people. 

She suddenly felt her mood switch into a gloomy one.

"Can I get changed out of the dress now?" She asked the attendant, who agreed with a bright smile. 

Everyone went back in to change out of their dresses and hang them in for the final alterations. By the time Cara was done changing and ready to leave, they were all saying their goodbyes, and she realized that she wasn't with her phone.

Rushing back into the changing room, her phone was exactly where she had left it. The only odd thing was the white note sticking out from beneath it. 

Cara suspiciously eyed the surroundings around before picking it up. 

Bring the blueprint of the Bernardis' mansion on the day of your final alteration.

That was all it said. Nothing else. The final alteration was just two days away. She understood what she was to do but wondered how she was to get it done.

Where was she to get the blueprint? More importantly, only the ladies and attendants were in this establishment.

Who could have placed the note in the room?

Everyone was already waiting outside by the time she was done, so no one came to mind. Deciding not to keep them waiting, she stepped out of the room, and her eyes caught a glimpse of pink turning down the corridor.

Cara felt a sense of dubiety but decided to think of nothing of it as she headed out to join the rest. 

Just as soon as she met up with them, Cecelia came out from the same direction. 

"Sorry for keeping y'all waiting; I had to pee. Can we get going now?"