Shattered Heart

Chapter 7: "GUCCI"

Antonia twirled in her pink, flowery dress, seeking her mistress Eliana's opinion. "How do I look, Eliana?"

Eliana hesitated before sharing her thoughts. "It's nice, but it might not be the most suitable choice for you. The dress is quite flowery, and it doesn't exude a mature..."

Before Eliana could finish her sentence, Mrs. Veronica Millers interjected, dismissing the dress. "She's right! It doesn't truly complement your beauty and appears somewhat childish with all those flowers."

Antonia was taken aback. "How long have you been standing by the door, ma?"

Mrs. Veronica, unapologetic, responded, "Long enough to witness your amazement in that dress," as she walked closer.

Antonia couldn't let the comment slide. "What did you say, ma? I bought this dress myself, and you can't just call it stupid."

Mrs. Veronica reached out and touched the dress, then took a seat, facing Antonia, who still clutched the dress as though it were a wedding gown. There was a silence before Mrs. Veronica broke it with a pointed question. "Why exactly did you buy this dress?"

Antonia hesitated before explaining, "I bought it for a... a date. It was before my breakup with my ex. He had planned to take me out the next day, but unfortunately, we broke up before the date."

Mrs. Veronica couldn't resist adding her thoughts, "So, you had hopes he might propose to you, hence the wedding gown-like dress? And you didn't notice it was too big for your slim frame."

Antonia stood there in stunned silence, gazing at Mrs. Veronica.

Mrs. Veronica muttered to herself in a hushed tone, unbeknownst to Antonia and the mistress. Moments later, she motioned for Antonia to follow her, leaving the two women trailing behind.

Curiosity getting the better of her, Antonia decided to break the silence. "Excuse me, madam, may I know your name?"

However, Mrs. Veronica didn't respond to her query. Antonia tried again as they briskly walked, her dress in hand. "Well, if I can't know your name, could you at least tell me where we're going?"

Before Antonia could finish her second question, they entered an expansive, lavishly furnished room adorned with golden decor. It was filled with golden mirrors, beds, couches, and a spectacular glass case showcasing a variety of golden jewelry.

Antonia couldn't help but be drawn to the glimmering display. As she examined the treasures, Mrs. Veronica was busy rummaging through her wardrobe, searching for an outfit.

"You need to look dignified, mature, and stunning for dinner," Mrs. Veronica advised, unaware that Antonia was lost in admiration of the jewelry. The mistress approached Antonia, trying to get her attention, but Antonia remained entranced.

"My family isn't as genteel as you might think," Mrs. Veronica continued. "That's why you must mind your words, your behavior, and most importantly, your appearance. We wouldn't want any embarrassment, especially in front of the Millers, my son and me. You must be cautious in your associations; I mean exceptionally cautious."

As Mrs. Veronica noticed the sudden silence in the room, she turned her attention away from finding the desired clothing. Her gaze fixed upon the mistress, who was quietly trying to get Antonia's attention, her fingers gently tapping Antonia's arm. However, Antonia appeared entirely engrossed in the dazzling display of gold jewelry. Mrs. Veronica stood there for a moment, silently observing them.

Eventually, the mistress's eyes met Mrs. Veronica's, jolting her from her reverie. Startled, the mistress swiftly retreated to a corner, her head lowered and her hands clasped together.

Mrs. Veronica decided to break the silence. "Antonia dear," she called out loudly, her voice snapping Antonia out of her daze. Antonia hurried over to Mrs. Veronica, her mouth moving as if attempting to speak but unable to find the words.

Observing Antonia's fixation on her gold jewelry, Mrs. Veronica remarked, "You seem quite taken with my collection of glittering gold jewelry." She stood with her left hand on her hip, looking at Antonia intently.

Antonia chuckled nervously and responded, "Yes, but I wasn't entirely lost. Your collection is truly stunning, and I admire it."

Mrs. Veronica, maintaining her serious demeanor, called the mistress over to assist Antonia in removing the clothing she was wearing, as she had noticed earlier that it was fastened with ropes. Both Antonia and the mistress rushed to deal with the situation.

Antonia, finally freed from the clothing, couldn't help but add with a hint of excitement, "Bravo to me!" She chuckled and even jumped a little, though neither the mistress nor Mrs. Veronica shared in her amusement.

Apologies filled the air as Antonia formed her hands into a prayer-like gesture. Mrs. Veronica, with an air of authority, extended her right hand, elegantly displaying a black, shiny dress on a hanger. She used her fingers to guide the hanger toward the mistress, signaling her to assist Antonia.

The mistress took the dress and helped Antonia put it on, and it clung to her figure beautifully, accentuating her curves.

Mrs. Veronica inquired, "How does it look?" Antonia, looking up from the dress she was examining, replied, "It's beautiful, very beautiful."

Mrs. Veronica then instructed Antonia to accompany her. Antonia followed as they made their way to where a large mirror was situated. Mrs. Veronica pulled back a golden chair, indicating for Antonia to sit. She proceeded to use fragrant hair oil and a comb to smooth and shine Antonia's hair.

With careful precision, she applied makeup to Antonia's face and provided her with a pair of black shoes. Mrs. Veronica then opened a glass case filled with golden jewelry and selected a necklace and wristwatch.

She gazed at Antonia's reflection in the mirror as she remarked, "Everything you're wearing is GUCCI. The history of Gucci is truly remarkable, meticulously planned and analyzed before its introduction. The craftsmanship, color choices, and designs are exquisite and awe-inspiring. I am a dedicated consumer because it hails from my roots, and I take immense pride in it."

Antonia was astounded. "So, everything, including the necklace and wristwatch, is Gucci?" she asked in amazement.

Mrs. Veronica prompted Antonia to inspect the watch closely. "Look inside the watch and tell me what you see written there."

Antonia quickly examined the watch and excitedly exclaimed, "GUCCI!"

Mrs. Veronica instructed the mistress to fetch one of her purses. After handing it to Antonia, she noticed the brand name on the surface of the purse. Antonia inquired, "Is everything you use made by Gucci?"

Mrs. Veronica confirmed, "Yes, everything, except for items they don't produce."

Antonia was thrilled. "Wow, I'd love to make Gucci my favorite brand and acquire many of its products before I leave Spain."

A surprising smile spread across Mrs. Veronica's face, catching Antonia off guard. This was the first time Antonia had seen her smile. It contrasted sharply with their initial meeting, where Mrs. Veronica had come across as stern and unsmiling.

"Don't worry, Jackson, my son, will take you to a specialized boutique. He'll ensure you acquire all the products you desire before you leave Spain. Does that make you happy?" Mrs. Veronica inquired.

Antonia expressed her gratitude. "Yes, Mrs. Veronica, thank you so much for your care and time. I truly appreciate it."

Mrs. Veronica then made a request. "Could you do me a favor?"

Antonia nodded eagerly. "Yes."

Mrs. Veronica's tone was earnest as she outlined her request. "Please refrain from laughing at the dining table, choose your words carefully, be observant, and above all, conduct yourself with grace. I don't want any undesirable behavior reflecting poorly on me."

"Understood," Antonia replied.

Veronica then introduced herself to Antonia before heading to the bathroom. She instructed the mistress to prepare for the evening dress code and to keep Antonia company until dinner.