Aristocracy101

Chapter 12

ADIVA BRIDE SHOP ...

Lilian sat laughing with Vivian, Oliver's mother, in Adiva Bride Shop as they perused wedding dresses. The atmosphere was filled with excitement, but a sinking feeling gnawed at Lilian’s chest.

She still couldn’t believe she was about to marry the love of her life. This should have been the happiest time of her life, but instead, she felt empty. She hadn’t seen Oliver since their last argument, and the worst part? There were no clues—nothing—that could explain the events of that night.

She was going CRAZY.

Arghhh...

It felt like she was trapped—unable to leave the house, isolated in the dark unknown of her own thoughts. The night had vanished from memory, as if it had never even happened. The receptionist? Gone. She had “resigned,” and her friends couldn’t even get in touch with her.

Vivian and the sales girls were eagerly showing her a range of beautiful dresses, but Lilian couldn’t share in their enthusiasm. Picking out a wedding dress should have been a special moment between a bride and her fiancé, but Oliver wasn’t here to share it with her.

"Sigh..."

"Are you alright, dear?" Grace, her mother, asked, concern painting her face. Only then did Vivian notice the discomfort in Lilian’s eyes.

"If you're not feeling well, we can always postpone, sweetheart," Vivian added, her voice warm but carrying the unspoken weight of a mother’s expectations. "My daughter-in-law shouldn’t be troubled by such trivial matters."

Lilian knew Vivian was being kind, but the thought of postponing the wedding was unbearable. If she did, it would cause too much worry—especially for her father. And she shuddered to think of what he might do to both her and her mother if he found out.

"No, no. It’s just..." Lilian hastily pointed to a gown, trying to cover her unease. "I was admiring that dress over there."

The sales girls, quick to please, brought it forward.

"Good eye, madam. This one is a limited edition—only one in the entire country. And with your figure, it would highlight all the best features," they praised.

"That's my girl! Always has an eye for beautiful things," Vivian beamed, her chest swelling with pride.

Lilian knew what Vivian meant: if they complimented her, they were indirectly complimenting Vivian as a mother-in-law. But Lilian couldn’t bring herself to enjoy the praise. She was more concerned with the silence that loomed between her and Oliver.

She stood and took the dress to try it on, her heart heavy with unspoken questions.

When Lilian emerged from the dressing room, the room seemed to shimmer with anticipation. All eyes turned towards her, the atmosphere charged with a kind of collective breath held. She was stunning—no doubt about that—but there was an inner conflict in her eyes that no dress could hide.

Lilian was a paradox—frosty on the surface, yet burning with warmth beneath. And this dress... it was the perfect reflection of that duality.

The gown was an exquisite creation, elegant yet modern. It had an A-line silhouette that cascaded effortlessly from her waist, adorned with intricate peony floral patterns embroidered around the hem. The sweetheart neckline perfectly framed her collarbone, and the fitted bodice hugged her slender figure, allowing her natural grace to shine through. Delicate lace sleeves embraced her arms, evoking timeless charm while remaining contemporary.

Vivian, beaming, stepped forward. "All that's left now is to hold my grandson," she murmured, her voice full of gratitude as she embraced Lilian.

"My dear, don’t let that i***t, Oliver, get to you. He doesn’t know your worth. You’re my chosen daughter-in-law, and no lowlife or goody-two-shoes will ever take your place," Vivian continued, her words laced with both affection and veiled warning.

Lilian nodded, but inside, she knew that Vivian was talking about Bella. Oliver hadn’t returned home since the incident, but his parents were hopeful he would. If he cared at all about his frozen bank accounts and credit cards, he would have no choice but to come back.

Grace gently nudged Lilian’s arm, a subtle reminder. Lilian flashed her a bright smile, covering her turmoil. "Of course, I understand. Oliver just needs time to cool off. We’ll be back to being best friends in no time. Don’t worry, Aunt Vivian, I won’t let little things get to me."

"Aunt Vivian?" Vivian raised an eyebrow. "Why not call me 'Mom'?" she teased.

"Yes, yes!" Grace encouraged. "You’ll be part of the family now. It’s time to start calling her 'Mom,' Lilian."

Vivian beamed. "You’ll be a Johnson now. And as long as you manage the household and show Oliver your exceptional sincerity, his heart will melt to your efforts."

Lilian hesitated but then, with a smile, said, "Yes, Aunt... I mean, Mom."

Vivian was on cloud nine, overwhelmed by happiness.

"Don’t forget to give me a grandbaby soon!" Vivian chuckled, nudging Lilian playfully.

"Where’s my Baby Girl?" Zoey Liu suddenly burst into the shop, full of energy and enthusiasm.

Lilian couldn’t help but laugh. Zoey always knew how to brighten the room.

Zoey was 23, with amber red hair and brown eyes. Her athletic figure reflected her energetic personality. She was the life of the party—impulsive yet full of heart. The youngest in her family, with three doting older brothers, she could do no wrong in their eyes. Zoey was Lilian’s closest friend, a constant source of light in a sometimes dark world.

Zoey was followed by Ivy Parker, another close friend of Lilian’s. Ivy was more reserved—22, with a curvy figure and graceful confidence. Her chocolate brown hair and eyes complemented her earthy demeanor. Where Zoey was fiery, Ivy was steady, always with an eye on the bigger picture. Together, they formed the "Elemental Trio"—a fitting name, considering the blend of personalities that made them so inseparable.

Zoey had a nickname among her friends: the "Sizzle Queen." She had a fiery temper, but it was tempered by an undeniable warmth. Ivy was the "Rooted Beauty"—grounded, nurturing, and always seeing the beauty in life’s simplest moments.

And then there was Lilian.

She had chestnut brown hair and green eyes—an elegant figure, characterized by both grace and strength. She was known as the "Ice Queen"—a title that spoke to her cool, aloof exterior, but those who truly knew her understood that it was just a shield to house the warmth and loyalty that lay beneath.