She rolls her eyes at him. “Hi,” she says in a soft voice.
“Hi, I’m Zara.”
She sways toward me, hugging me tightly. “We’re going to be best friends. I just know it.”
Her enthusiasm is palpable, and I have no idea how to react, so I offer a noncommittal sound.
“Let’s get ready. Can’t wait,” she says, clasping her hands together.
Without waiting for a response, she grabs my hand and ushers me out.
I glance at him over my shoulder, and his brows knot together, making me believe he doesn’t like being separated from me.
This is such a strange situation, leaving me utterly confused as we hop in the elevator.
She chats the entire way down to the floor below.
“This is my place,” she says as we enter her apartment, vibrant as her personality. Patterns of colors and soft fabrics create a warm and inviting atmosphere.
In the living room, a woman stands next to a rack of white dresses.
Any moment now, I will wake up. This can’t be happening. It’s absurd. Something my brain concocted to mess with me. My life is a string of strange things.
After brief introductions, the seller asks me, “Do you have any vision for your wedding dress?”
I shake my head. Marriage wasn’t something I considered until lately.
The dresses pull me in, and I brush my finger along the delicate white fabrics until it stops at a simple silk one.
She notices and says, “Let’s try it on.”
I nod, and as she helps me in, it fits my body perfectly.
“Vian had them specially made for you,” Noemi says dreamily.
Looking at the wedding creations that probably cost a small fortune, I remain speechless.
The dress hugs my curves perfectly, flowing down in sheer elegance with a halter neck and an open back.
I don’t need to try the others to realize this is my wedding dress. “This is it.”
Noemi glances at the other dresses, pouting, but smiles at me. “You look amazing. Vian will love it.”
I wonder how he knew how to pick the one I would love most. Strange.
After that, it’s a parade of people swarming in to primp me while I go along, still undecided if this is fantasy or reality.
Needing a moment, I lock myself in the bathroom and stare at my reflection. The beauty team did an amazing job with my hair and makeup, keeping it simple but stylish. I look like a bride. I am a bride.
A knock yanks me from my thoughts, and Conrad’s voice echoes through. “Are you okay?”
Am I?
I unlock the door, and he enters, his warm eyes settling on me with unmistakable care. He’s the only family I have, not by blood but by choice, and the bond is equally strong.
“You look incredible.”
“Am I making a mistake?” I ask, panic flooding me. This wedding is happening too fast. My life veers toward an unexpected lane, leaving me helpless to navigate before crashing.
