At the end, I had no choice but to follow my aunt.
Knowing her, she had probably come fully prepared for every excuse I might come up with.
We had lunch at a restaurant downstairs before leaving the company and driving out in her car.
“Aunt, isn’t it a bit too early for all this?” I asked from the back seat.
She smiled.
“The wedding is only a month away, Alice.
If it weren’t for Ariana, we might not even have enough time to commission a custom-made gown.
We’d have no choice but to buy one straight from a boutique.” “Do we really need a custom-made one?
We could just buy one from a store.” Aunt Rose turned to face me and gently shook her head.
“Even if this is an arranged marriage, it’s still your first wedding.” “You deserve nothing but the very best.” She reached over and gave my hand a reassuring squeeze.
“Alice, you don’t have to worry about anything.” “Just relax and let us take care of everything.” “And if you ever need anything from us, all you have to do is say so.” Despite the heaviness in my heart, I managed a small smile and nodded.
A few minutes later, the car slowed to a stop in front of the most prestigious luxury fashion house in B City.
I looked up through the window.
No matter how many times I come here I still can’t help but admire the place.
The building itself was breathtaking.
The elegant glass building stood proudly beneath the afternoon sun, its white marble exterior and subtle gold accents giving it a timeless sophistication.
Luxury cars lined the entrance while uniformed attendants welcomed arriving guests with quiet professionalism.
We stepped out of the car and headed inside.
The lobby was every bit as luxurious as the exterior.
Crystal chandeliers cast a warm glow over the polished marble floor, while exquisite gowns were displayed throughout the spacious hall like works of art.
Everything around me spoke of elegance and exclusivity.
For a moment, I simply stood there taking it all in.
“Welcome to Ari’s Fashion World!” I heard Ariana’s familiar voice, and before I could react, she was already hugging me tightly.
Aunt Rose chuckled beside us.
“You’ll always be the same, Ariana.
Just don’t choke Alice.” Realizing how tightly she was holding me, Ariana immediately let go.
“Sorry!” I smiled.
“Thanks, Sister Ariana.” She hugged Aunt Rose as well before slipping her arm through mine.
“Come on.” “I’ve been waiting for you two.” She led us toward her office.
Ariana was Aunt Rose’s niece, one of the top fashion designers in B City, and the owner of Ari’s Fashion World.
I’d been here several times before, but somehow, today everything felt different.
I’d never really imagined what my wedding preparations would be like.
And I certainly hadn’t imagined they would feel this awkward.
Ariana used to tease me about how quiet I became whenever Alexander was around and how distant we always seemed from each other.
Yet here I was…
About to ask her to design the wedding dress I’d wear when marrying that very same man.
“Have a seat,” she said, finally releasing my arm as we stepped into her spacious yet elegant office.
My aunt and I sat side by side on the sofa while Ariana walked behind her desk and pressed the intercom, asking her assistant to bring us some refreshments.
“Since we’re a little short on time, designing an entirely new gown won’t be possible,” she explained as she returned carrying a large design portfolio.
“I went through some of my unreleased designs and selected the ones I think would suit you best.” She handed the portfolio to Aunt Rose before taking the seat opposite us.
“Look, Alice,” Aunt Rose said as she flipped through the pages.
“I’m sure we’ll find something you like.” “Aunt…
will you choose for me?” “I think you have better taste than I do.” She smiled and was about to reply when Ariana spoke first.
“What are you saying, Alice?” “I know Aunt has wonderful taste, but this is your wedding.” “You should be the one to choose.” They spoke about the wedding so naturally that, for a moment, it almost felt real to me too.
“She’s right, dear,” Aunt Rose agreed gently, sliding the portfolio fully toward me.
“Your sister and I are only here to guide you.” “But the final choice should be yours.” The warmth in her voice made it impossible to refuse.
I lowered my gaze and slowly began turning the pages.
Each sketch revealed another beautiful white gown, while Ariana patiently explained the inspiration, details, and style behind every design.