Aristocracy 101

Chapter 12

ADIVA BRIDE SHOP

The atmosphere inside Adiva Bride Shop was filled with excitement and anticipation. Elegant gowns lined the walls, sparkling under the soft lights, while sales assistants moved around eagerly, presenting different designs and discussing fabrics, styles, and details.

Yet, despite the beautiful surroundings, Lilian felt strangely disconnected from everything.

She sat with Vivian, Oliver’s mother, as they looked through the wedding dresses, but the excitement everyone else felt seemed distant. A heavy feeling remained lodged in her chest, refusing to disappear.

She still couldn’t believe she was about to marry the man she had loved for years.

This was supposed to be the happiest moment of her life.

She should have been overwhelmed with joy, dreaming about her future with Oliver and imagining the life they would build together.

Instead, she felt empty.

She hadn’t seen Oliver since their argument, and what hurt the most was that she still had no answers. No explanation. No clue about what had happened that night.

It was driving her insane.

Argh...

She felt trapped, as though she was locked inside her own thoughts with no way out. The memory of that night had completely disappeared, leaving behind nothing but confusion and fear.

The receptionist who had been working that night was suddenly gone.

She had supposedly "resigned."

Everything felt suspicious.

Too suspicious.

While Vivian and the sales assistants excitedly showed her different wedding gowns, Lilian struggled to pretend she shared their enthusiasm.

Choosing a wedding dress was supposed to be a special moment between a bride and her fiancé.

Oliver was supposed to be beside her.

He was supposed to be the person she looked at when she wore the dress and wondered what their future would look like.

Instead, she was alone.

"Sigh..."

"Are you alright, dear?"

Grace's concerned voice pulled her out of her thoughts.

Lilian looked up and noticed her mother's worried expression. Only then did Vivian realize something was wrong.

"If you're not feeling well, we can always postpone this," Vivian said gently. "My daughter-in-law shouldn't be troubled by something as simple as this."

Lilian knew Vivian was being sincere, but the thought of postponing the wedding immediately filled her with dread.

She couldn't do that.

Not now.

Especially not when her father already knew about the wedding preparations.

She didn't even want to imagine what would happen if he discovered that things between her and Oliver weren't as perfect as they appeared.

"No, no. I'm fine."

She quickly smiled and pointed toward one of the gowns displayed nearby.

"It's just that dress caught my attention."

The sales assistants immediately followed her gaze.

"Excellent choice, Madam. This is one of our limited editions. There is only one available in the entire country."

They smiled.

"And with your figure, it would perfectly highlight your elegance."

"That's my girl," Vivian said proudly. "She has always had an eye for beautiful things."

Lilian understood what Vivian meant.

When people praised her, Vivian received the pride of a mother seeing her daughter-in-law admired.

Normally, Lilian would have appreciated it.

But today, her thoughts remained somewhere else.

With Oliver.

With the unanswered questions between them.

She quietly took the dress and entered the fitting room.

When she finally stepped out, the entire room fell silent.

Everyone turned toward her.

The dress was beautiful, but it wasn't the only thing that caught their attention.

It was Lilian herself.

She had always been someone who carried two completely different sides within her.

Cold and untouchable on the outside.

Warm and passionate beneath the surface.

And somehow, the dress reflected that perfectly.

The gown was elegant yet modern, with an A-line silhouette that flowed gracefully from her waist. Delicate peony patterns were embroidered along the hem, adding a soft touch of romance to the design. The sweetheart neckline framed her collarbone beautifully, while the fitted bodice highlighted her natural elegance without taking away from her dignity.

The lace sleeves added a timeless charm, making her appear both powerful and delicate at the same time.

Vivian's eyes immediately brightened.

"My dear..."

She walked forward and embraced Lilian.

"All that's left now is for you to give me a grandson."

Her voice was filled with happiness.

Then her expression softened.

"Don't let that i***t Oliver upset you. He doesn't know how lucky he is."

She pulled back slightly.

"You are my chosen daughter-in-law. No lowlife or overly innocent little girl will ever replace you."

Lilian understood exactly who Vivian was referring to.

Bella.

Oliver still hadn't returned home since the incident, but his parents remained confident that he would eventually come back.

After all, if he cared about his frozen accounts and cancelled cards, he would have no choice but to return.

Grace gently touched Lilian's arm, reminding her to respond.

Lilian immediately put on a bright smile.

"Of course, I understand. Oliver just needs some time to calm down. We have been best friends for so many years. I'm sure everything will return to normal soon."

She smiled at Vivian.

"Don't worry, Aunt Vivian. I won't let small misunderstandings affect us."

Vivian raised an eyebrow.

"Aunt Vivian?"

She smiled teasingly.

"Why not call me Mom?"

Grace immediately joined in.

"Exactly. You are going to become part of the family soon. It's time you start calling her Mom."

Vivian looked delighted.

"You will be a Johnson soon, Lilian. As long as you manage the household well and show Oliver your sincerity, his heart will naturally return to you."

Lilian hesitated for a moment.

Then she smiled.

"Yes... Aunt..."

She corrected herself.

"Mom."

Vivian looked like she had just received the greatest gift in the world.

"Don't forget to give me a grandchild soon."

She laughed, lightly nudging Lilian.

Before Lilian could answer, a familiar voice suddenly echoed through the shop.

"Where's my Baby Girl! "

Everyone turned.

Zoey Liu rushed into the store with her usual endless energy.

Lilian couldn't stop herself from laughing.

Only Zoey could completely change the atmosphere within seconds.

At twenty-three years old, Zoey possessed amber-red hair and warm brown eyes. Her athletic figure matched her energetic personality perfectly. She was impulsive, passionate, and sometimes reckless, but her heart was always in the right place.

Being the youngest child in her family, with three older brothers who adored her, Zoey had grown up being spoiled and protected.

To Lilian, she was a ray of sunlight.

The kind of person who could brighten even the darkest moments.

Behind her came Ivy Parker.

Unlike Zoey, Ivy carried a calm and graceful presence. At twenty-two, she had chocolate-brown hair and eyes that matched her composed personality. She was thoughtful, practical, and always the person who looked at situations from every angle before making a decision.

Together, they were known as the Elemental Trio.

Zoey was fire.

Bright, passionate, and impossible to ignore.

Her friends called her the "Sizzle Queen" because of her fiery personality and quick temper, though her warmth always balanced it.

Ivy was earth.

Steady, nurturing, and dependable.

The "Rooted Beauty" who always reminded others to slow down and appreciate the little things.

And then there was Lilian.

With her chestnut-brown hair and striking green eyes, she carried an elegance that naturally commanded attention.

The world knew her as the "Ice Queen."

A woman who seemed cold, distant, and impossible to approach.

But those who truly knew her understood the truth.

The ice was only a shield.

Beneath it was a woman who loved deeply, protected fiercely, and treasured the people she cared about.