Chapter 3: Wedding Dress

A full seven days have passed since the jaw-dropping encounter with him. My thoughts are on constant replay, attempting to make sense of the mind-boggling revelation that Shan might be deep into the workings of the mafia. It's a mental maze I'm navigating, and the struggle is real. Sure, I haven't nailed down concrete evidence to back up my suspicions; my information arsenal is running on empty. Yet, the mere prospect of Shan's involvement with the mafia casts an ominous shadow, refusing to fade away. The unanswered questions and uncertainties continue to gnaw at the edges of my consciousness, leaving me restless and craving answers that seem to dance just out of reach.

A week has slogged its way through, and I'm staring down the barrel of another seven days before I'm hitched to him. This whole deal—let's just call it what it is—sucks. The anticipation, the looming event, the whole shebang—it's like a never-ending loop of frustration. Can't shake the feeling that I'm hurtling towards a life I never signed up for. Sucks, doesn't even begin to cover it.

"What are you doing?" My mom's sharp tone cut through the air, and I couldn't help but flinch. "Get yourself ready! We're running late for your wedding dress fitting!"

“Y-Yes, mom. I’m sorry,” I quietly said before I reluctantly went back to my room to get change. Today is the day I’ll be picking my wedding dress, and it just reminded me of the bitter fate that awaits me. No matter what I do, and even if I can prove that Shan’s involved with Mafias, I cannot call off the wedding. After all, who am I, right? I am indebted to Gray family for adopting me and this is the least I could do to return their so-called kindness.

As I finished changing, my mom's grip on my arm tightened, her nails leaving an imprint on my skin as we made our way to the awaiting limousine stationed just outside our house. The sleek vehicle belonged to my soon-to-be husband, and the sight of it triggered a wave of emotions that bordered on overwhelming. To say I was a bit shaken would be an understatement. I mean, who wouldn't feel a bit overwhelmed in my shoes? Everything unfolded at a breakneck pace. It's barely been a week since our first date, and aside from that, we haven't really spent much time together. The thought that within a week, he'll officially be my husband—it's a reality that's hitting me like a ton of bricks, almost too much for me to process. The whirlwind of events is a stark contrast to the little time we've actually known each other, making the whole situation feel surreal.

A heavy sigh escaped my lips, carrying the weight of emotions I couldn't put into words.

Upon stepping into the shop where I was set to pick my wedding dress, I couldn't help but notice a group of people, mostly men, stationed just outside the establishment. It didn't particularly bother me, considering my parents' political background often warranted security measures, including guards. However, these individuals stood out. Their demeanor was noticeably more stringent and professional than the typical security detail. Unlike the usual guards I've encountered, these men showed no hint of emotion as we strolled by them. Their stern expressions raised an unspoken question, leaving me to wonder what kind of security detail I had unknowingly stepped into.

"Hi, my name is Sophia," the elegant woman welcomed us with a warm smile, her eyes gleaming with a passion for her craft. "I'm not just a wedding dress designer; I'm the proud owner of this shop. Please, feel entirely at ease while selecting the gown of your dreams."

Sophia gracefully led us through the refined lounge area, where racks of stunning wedding dresses adorned the space. As we took our seats, she handed us glossy magazines filled with the latest bridal trends, encouraging us to explore and find inspiration.

We settled into the plush chairs, the atmosphere brimming with excitement and anticipation. Sophia, attentive to every detail, soon returned with glasses of the finest wine the shop had to offer. The rich aroma and taste of the wine added a touch of luxury to the moment, turning the dress selection process into an experience to be savored.

"Hmm, these dresses look beautiful," my mother remarked, her fingers delicately flipping through the pages of the brochure.

Curiosity got the best of me, so I picked up the brochure too. True enough, the dresses showcased within its pages were breathtaking. However, a whirlwind of emotions swept over me. Excitement surged through my veins, but it was accompanied by a tinge of disappointment.

A wedding dress holds a sacred place in a woman's heart. It's a cherished garment worn on one of the most significant days of her life. The thought of picking out a dress for an event that felt more like a contractual obligation rather than a celebration left me conflicted. It seemed almost taboo to consider donning something so sacred without genuinely feeling the essence of the wedding itself.

"What do you think of this, dear?" my mom asked, enthusiasm in her voice. "Isn't this beautiful?" She pointed to a stunning yet quite daring wedding dress. The lower part had a provocative slit, while the upper portion was strapless and featured a somewhat revealing neckline. It exuded a level of sexiness that made me uneasy; it wasn't the vibe I was looking for in a wedding dress.

I shook my head. “It’s way too revealing, mom,” I uttered.

She raised me a brow. “That’s the point, dear. You should be sexy enough for your husband to like and desire you at one glace. How will you be able to have children if you keep covering your whole body like that?”

As her words struck me like a hammer, I found myself staring down at my lap in silent contemplation. The weight of their expectations settled heavily on my shoulders. The realization that they anticipated me to conceive and secure an heir immediately after the wedding sank in, leaving a bitter taste in my mouth.

The feeling of disappointment lingered, although it wasn't entirely unfamiliar. I had grown accustomed to their demanding expectations, a constant reminder of the role they envisioned for me. This latest revelation merely added another layer to the complex emotions swirling within me.

It was a stark reminder that my desires and aspirations were secondary to the expectations they had set for my life.