Arrogant Bride

The Dress Fitting

The boutique was a symphony of silk, lace, and soft lighting. Floor-to-ceiling mirrors reflected rows of exquisite wedding gowns, each more extravagant than the last. Sophia felt suffocated the moment she stepped inside.

“Breathe,” Miriam whispered, elbowing her sister playfully.

Sophia shot her a glare. “Easy for you to say. You’re not the one being turned into a life-sized doll.”

Penelope Myers appeared out of nowhere, her smile dazzling. “Ah, Sophia! Right on time. We’ve selected a stunning collections of dresses for you to try. Shall we?”

“Can’t wait,” Sophia muttered, her sarcasm lost on Penelope, who clapped her hands and ushered them deeper into the boutique.

Ethan, of course, had insisted on attending. He sat on one of the velvet armchairs at the far end of the room, his presence impossible to ignore. He looked every bit the composed businessman, scrolling through his phone as though this were just another board meeting.

“You don’t have to be here, you know,” Sophia said as she passed him.

Ethan didn’t look up. “Consider it quality time.”

“Quality for who?”

He finally raised his gaze, a flicker of amusement dancing in his eyes. “For everyone watching us. Appearances, remember?”

Sophia resisted the urge to roll her eyes as Penelope reappeared, followed by two assistants carrying a gown that seemed to sparkle in the light.

“This,” Penelope announced, “is the crown jewel of our collection. Handmade lace, Swarovski crystals, and a cathedral-length train. It’s simply divine.”

Sophia stared at the dress, her stomach churning. “It’s… a lot.”

“It’s perfect,” Penelope countered. “Go on, try it!”

With a resigned sigh, Sophia let herself be guided into the fitting room. The assistants worked quickly, fastening the gown and arranging the train with practiced efficiency.

When they were done, Sophia stepped out, the dress gleaming under the boutique’s soft lights. Penelope gasped, Miriam beamed, and Ethan…

Ethan stared.

For the first time since they’d met, Sophia saw something unguarded in his expression. His phone was forgotten, his gaze fixed on her with an intensity that made her breath hitch.

“Well?” she asked, trying to sound indifferent.

“It’s fine,” he said, his tone carefully neutral.

“Fine?” Penelope looked horrified. “It’s stunning! Sophia, you look like a queen.”

Miriam grinned. “A little haughty, maybe. But that suits you.”

Sophia glanced at Ethan, who had returned to his phone, his composure firmly back in place.

“It’s not me,” Sophia said finally, turning back to the fitting room. “Let’s try something else.”

The assistants exchanged hesitant looks but quickly brought out another dress. And another. Each time, Penelope gushed, Miriam teased, and Ethan offered his maddeningly vague opinions.

By the fourth gown, Sophia was ready to scream. She stepped out in a sleek, minimalist design, its simplicity a stark contrast to the others. For the first time, she felt like herself.

“This one,” she said firmly.

Penelope frowned. “It’s so plain.”

“That’s why I like it,” Sophia replied, meeting her reflection in the mirror.

Ethan set his phone down, his brow furrowing slightly. “Are you sure? It’s your wedding day. Shouldn’t you… stand out?”

Sophia turned to him, her chin lifted. “I don’t need a dress to stand out, Ethan.”

A small smile tugged at the corner of his mouth. “Fair enough.”

Penelope sighed dramatically but nodded. “If that’s what the bride wants, then so be it. We’ll make it work.”

“Finally,” Sophia muttered as the assistants helped her out of the gown.

When she returned to the main area, Ethan was waiting by the door.

“You’re surprisingly quiet today,” she said, grabbing her purse.

“I figured you didn’t want my opinion,” he replied smoothly.

“You’d be right.”

As they walked to the car, Sophia felt the weight of the day settle over her. The wedding was becoming more real with each passing moment, and she wasn’t sure how much longer she could keep pretending this was just a business deal.

Ethan opened the car door for her, his expression unreadable. “Good choice on the dress.”

“Thanks,” she said, sliding into the seat.

For a brief moment, their eyes met, and Sophia felt a strange tug in her chest—a connection she couldn’t explain and didn’t want to acknowledge.

As the car pulled away from the boutique, she stared out the window, her thoughts swirling. She might have chosen the dress, but the rest of this was still out of her control.

And that terrified her more than anything.