CHAPTER 5

I guess I hurted his ego 'cause when I got out of my walk-in closet, all my mini action figures were scattered on the floor.

I shook my head in dismay. “What a shameless childish bastard.”

I started picking up the figures until I saw the crocheted flowers Lurcos gave me also scattered on the floor. And that's when my blood boiled even more. The audacity! I fucking hate him!

I picked up the flowers, cleaned it and placed it back to the window.

After cleaning, I put on light makeup to make myself look more presentable. I wore a green knee-length backless dress and paired it with 3-inch white heels. I also wore my favorite crocheted white cardigan.

I put on my handbag with only a phone, wallet, and a penknife inside. Better be safe especially that I'll be going with a scumbag with anger issues.

I then got out of my room and went downstairs. I saw him, smiling while talking to my dad. He’s a good actor, huh. Wait until he sees me with my acting skills.

I plastered a sweet smile on my lips before clearing my throat. They all turned towards my direction. My parents gave me their sweet smiles, including my fiancé’s parents.

“Here comes the pretty soon-to-be bride,” my fiancé’s mom said and gave me a hug and I hugged her back.

“Thank you, Auntie,” I responded, sounding as sweet as possible.

When we let go of each other, she turned to her son. “Sebastian, my dear, aren’t your future wife pretty?” Oh, so his name is Sebastian. His mom turned to me. “The two of you could give me the prettiest grandchildren. I can’t wait to see them,” she then giggled.

I let out a shy girl laugh. “You’re so cute, auntie. But, don’t worry, we’ll surely grant your wish,” I replied.

“Oh, dear me, I’m excited!” Everyone in the room let out a short laugh. “Anyways, you should get going. Go visit the wedding organizer, you cannot waste time,” she added. She then lightly pushed me towards her son. “My dear, son, go assist your wife. You should be treating her as a princess, she'll be bringing us beautiful fruits for our family's new generation. Come on,” she was so gentle the way he moves and talks.

Her son smiled before holding my hand. “Sure, mom, we'll get going now then. See you later, everyone,” he responded.

“See you! Take care, alright?” my mom said.

“We will,” I replied. “Bye!”

He was gentle as he guided me towards his car until I got inside. When he hopped in, he immediately gave me his devious smile.

“I see, you're playing the game. May the best actor win, then,” he smirked and started the engine.

“For your information, I won't let you win,” I replied and smirked.

“We will see about that, honey.” He then started maneuvering the car.

We both stayed silent amidst the whole drive, but I could feel the intensity between us. 

When we got to our destination, I didn't wait for him to open the door for me, I went out on my own. And I waited for him to lead the way as he knew who we were going to meet.

We went inside the building in front of where he parked his car. We were greeted with elegant designs of wedding gowns and suits. I was fascinated with how specific the designs were on the dresses.

As someone who’s in the fashion industry, those kinds of designs and this kind of place are heaven for us. Though I hate to do this, at least I will be wearing something extraordinary on that “unusual and unfortunate” day.

“Good morning! I’m Sebastian Salcedo, my mom sent me here,” he told the receptionist.

“Yes, sir. Please proceed to the third floor, our manager is waiting for the both of you,” she replied with a smile.

“Thanks!” I was following him as he led the way.

The place is full of wedding stuff. They are probably complete with the materials that’s why they were chosen by Sebastian’s mom.

We went to the third floor through the elevator. And we are immediately greeted by the middle-aged lady.

“Hello, future married couple. You can call me Alice. Welcome to our place where we turn your fantasy into a reality,” she said with a huge smile on her lips. “Come, have a seat,” she offered us. “First things first, congratulations on your engagement. Second, may I know what are the designs you have in mind so I could give you the perfect choices to choose from?”

“Uhm… I think we’d like to see everything you got first,” Sebastian replied without making that charismatic smile of him leave his lips. If I hadn't known this man, I’d probably have fallen with that smile.

It hasn’t even been a day since we met yet my hatred towards him is bigger than his height.

“Very well, then, wait here.”

After a few minutes, she came back with two Ipads in her hands and handed them to me and Sebastian. “Here you go, couples. Choose your bet.”

When I saw how breathtaking their designs were, I didn’t know what to choose among them. There’s literally plenty of them and they are all extravagantly fantastic.

While I was still scrolling on the Ipad, my eyes caught something. It was a nature-like design. Everything in the picture looks magical. It’s like the venue is in a forest with a lot of pretty and small forest creatures like the fireflies.

“You like it?” Sebastian suddenly interrupted my thoughts.

I faked smiled. “Yeah, this is pretty, simple yet magical.”

“That is indeed pretty and magical,” Alice said. “But, ever since, none of our customers actually liked that and we were never able to organize a wedding with that theme. And the venue is kinda far from here, so yeah, no one wanted that.”

“How far?” I asked.

“A thousand miles, I think. 2 days travel. It’s located in a privately owned forest. The access is not quite easy.”

“But, you can do this, right?” I asked again.

She looked at me for a second or two before giving me a sweet smile. “Of course, darling. You came to the right place. The owner is a good friend of mine and we’re business partners.”

“You wanna have a forest wedding?” Sebastian asked.

“Why not? Forest weddings are so rare nowadays. In fact, you can barely see one. Why don’t we make something different and unique for our special day?” I looked at him.

I feel like I wanna puke myself. Special day? How is that day supposed to be special for me? Maybe for our parents and families, but certainly, not for me.

He just nodded his head. “Hmm… Seems cool.”

After an hour, my heart and brain felt exhausted after deciding with a heavy feeling about the decorations and many other things for the wedding. We also had to decide what recipes to be included in the menu. It feels not so right to be the one deciding on this kind of stuff when you’re unprepared.

Now, it’s time to decide on the perfect wedding dress. Sebastian already decided about his suit, and now it’s my turn.

Alice showed me all the best and perfect wedding dress designs they have and unfortunately, my brain had other plans. Even though I loved most of their designs, I suddenly thought of deciding to personally customize the design of my gown.

“Actually, can I customize my own wedding dress? I am kind of learning how to be a great fashion designer someday and I like designing all the dresses that I wore on special occasions,” I said, trying not to sound rude or insulting.

“Of course, darling, you can. Just give us the layout and you’re never going to get disappointed,” Alice replied.

“Thank you!”

“So, anything else I can help? Seems like you already picked up everything you need,” Alice said.

“Hmm… I think we’re good to go,” Sebastian responded. “Thank you so much. You’re such a big help.”

“Don’t mention it. It’s my job.”

Alice accompanied us until we reached the exit door and we then bid our goodbyes for each other.

When it was only the two of us left, we both stopped right in front of his car. We were just there, standing.

Until he started talking, “You better not look ugly on our wedding day just because you decided to design your own stupid dress. You think you are better than them? You suck and I bet you also suck in fashion designing. No wonder you’re still in your freshman year in your twenties.”

“Oh, shut up. It’s simply because I didn’t take those accelerated programs. If I wanted to, I could slap on your cube-like face all the countless recognitions and awards I got from being the best of my class in my freshman year,” I calmly replied. “And to tell you honestly, you’re the one who sucks. You don't even know how to pick the perfect wear. A cummerband and a knee length blazer? What are you? A magician? What are you going to do? Prepare a magic show on our wedding day? What, you’re gonna disappear on that day like magic? You sucks!” I rolled my eyes before opening the car’s door and went inside.