5: Dress

Chapter 5

Dress

***

POV: Lawrence David McGregor

Like always, I am playing with an old black marble in between my fingers.

My mind is in deep thoughts.

It is as if trying to calculate every bit of my decisions.

Right.

Richness. Power. Authority. Connections.

It comes with a heavy burden and calculated decisions.

If not, it can vanish in a snap.

For the last five years, I have tried to stay away from the spotlight because of what happened to me and Velice.

Her name instantly makes me mad – even just by thinking about it.

It is the very reason why I always want to be lowkey.

Working as a construction worker. Sometimes a laborer. Mostly any low-income earner – making sure to hide my identity and pretend to live a simple life.

Aside from the fact that I was able to learn from the people around me, I was able to determine how to improve, leading the company into new heights.

Not until last year.

I smirk at that thought.

At first, I didn't really care about women.

In fact, not in my imagination can I still think of one – after Velice.

I don’t really care about them.

However, this old-fashioned woman intrigued me.

She seems to be young but always trying to look old.

I don’t get it.

And no matter how much I try to understand what she is trying to do – I end up getting more and more curious about her.

She seems so confident and capable. So, I won’t buy that she lacks fashion sense.

Until I realize who she really was that night… When I saw her light brown eyes.

Princess Aurelia Morgan.

How could I forget?

I smirk darkly.

I look at the old black marble in my hand and slowly put it down on that small red velvet case when my phone rings.

It is Seth.

Joseth Iverson Thompson, my best friend, who seems like the news has finally reached him.

I smirk at that thought.

“What?” I automatically fired at him – the very moment I answered the call.

I sounded so cold, so he faked a hurting sound from the other line.

I almost dropped the call because of his mischief.

“If you have nothing to say, I’ll drop this now.” I daunted him – causing Seth to groan as if he is simply so sad.

“What the heck, bro!? You didn’t even bother telling me that you are getting married?!” Seth uttered frustratedly on the other line.

I sneer with sarcasm.

“And how did you know that?” I asked him instead.

He groans – as if he is trying to stretch his patience at me.

Well in fact, I was the one who should be patient with him – for his childishness.

“The boutique told me. A certain Lawrence David McGregor is setting up for an appointment to create a pair of wedding outfits. I thought it’s just a prank!” He said, filled with exaggeration – that I almost ended the call.

I shake my head – even though Seth can’t see me.

“Whatever. I need to go.” I seriously stated but he cut me off.

“Wait, wait… Is this for real?!” He uttered unbelievingly.

I let out a deep sigh.

“Damn! I have to book my tickets now… Wait! I thought Velice is still abroad?” Seth asked – making me more and more irritated.

“Shut the f*ck up… She is not the one I am marrying…” I told him, annoyed – before cutting the line off.

I shouldn’t have answered his call.

I let out a deep sigh before sending a message to Lia.

We need to go to the boutique – mentioned by Seth, and so, we have to be there.

I want this to be done – as soon as possible.

***

POV: Lia Salvador

I faked another smile – as Cali teases me about marrying ‘the love of my life’ – I almost want to grunt in frustration.

I let out a deep sigh.

Then, I hear my phone beep – I almost roll my eyes as I read his name on my phone screen.

***

From: Renz

Go to the boutique now for the wedding outfits.

***

I inwardly let out a groan in frustration.

It’s as if he is texting his secretary and not his wife-to-be.

‘Well, it isn’t as if he is marrying you for love, duh!’ My mind commented sardonically.

I clench my teeth.

‘As if I am marrying him for love, too, duh?!’ I thought mockingly.

‘You like him, duh!’ A part of me retorted back – making me grunt in infuriation.

I know that it is our schedule for the tailor. So, I bid my goodbye to Cali and went to the boutique.

Of course.

I don’t have a choice but to follow what I’ve been told.

This time, I can’t stop myself from feeling so emotional.

I have been trying to find my freedom. I have been trying to stop someone who would want to run my life – manipulate my choices to be exact.

But here I am.

It is as if I am back to square one.

Do I have a choice?

Yes, I do.

But it’s between choosing who could manipulate me – my parents or Renz?

And I think the latter is a better choice than the first.

I am hoping that I can still have – even a bit – of freedom if I follow Renz.

That is the least that I can hope for.

I let out a deep sigh – as I entered the premises of a high-end boutique.

It is such an exclusive one – even my parents can’t afford to enter this place. It makes me realize that Renz is truly a read deal. He might be a better choice, then.

“Choose anything that you like. I know that this might be a rush – but I don’t want you to look shabby in our wedding. Don’t worry about the cost or about your parents…” Renz said the last words slowly – like he is putting an emphasis on it.

I totally understand.

He is telling me that this would certainly be a hush-hush and no one from my family would know.

Well, it is what I have been waiting and hoping for.

I nod my head at him.

“That is better.” I simply replied and faced the attendant.

I bit my lower lip – as I stared at the lovely dresses in front of me.

This time, I realize that no matter how simple – everything in this boutique screams of extravagance.

I hold the simplest off-shoulder white wedding dress that hugs my small waist perfectly – putting an accent on my figure and falls just on my ankles.

It has no trail nor any shiny diamonds or beads – but only a modest gleaming fabric.

The design is very complicated, but the simplicity of the fabric made it more appealing.

“I want to try this on.” I kindly told the attendant – and just a matter of minutes, I was able to wear the wedding dress.

My knees are already trembling – and I don’t even know the reason why.

I don’t want to think that I am getting anxious by Renz’ reaction – but to be honest, I am!

I breathe slowly – trying to calm my nerves – and swallow hard.

I look at myself in the mirror.

And at the last minute, I decided to remove my eyeglasses – making the attendant gasp in admiration.

“Y-You are such a beauty, Miss.” She uttered in pure appreciation.

I simply give her a genuine smile and take another deep breath.

And before I knew it – the curtain opened, revealing me in front of Renz.

I swallow the lump in my throat – as I feel like my thumping heart seems to be on the edge now.

Renz blinks his eyes a few times before his forehead creases.

I clear my throat – hoping to get some words from him.

But I almost grunt in disbelief when all I could have is his freaking nodding.

“I should have chosen the most expensive one…” I murmured under my breath because of so much annoyance.