BENEATH THE FACADE

CHAPTER SEVEN

BENEATH THE FACADE

Behind the façade of wealth and power, a web of secrets awaits.

CHAPTER 7

Emily's POV:

I wondered what the message from Ethan would be about. I wondered if my father had reported the incident of earlier that day to him. On my father's part, it was already past an hour since I left the house, yet he hadn't called me.

The message from Ethan read:

“My week is occupied. I won't be able to get your wedding dress, you get the chance to do it yourself. Make a stop at No 9, Lakeman Town. The name of the store is Beautiful Pieces.”

My eyes shone with delight and ecstasy when I read the last part of the message…”the name of the store is beautiful pieces.”

“Girl beautiful pieces”, we echoed excitedly as we clapped our hands up in the air.

“If only I was getting married to the man of my dreams”,I whispered under my breath but loud enough for Nyla to hear.

“My Emily”,she said pulling me into a tight hug.

Beautiful pieces was a multimillionaire store and one of the biggest in California. Their dresses were so perfect. They paid great attention to intricate details, from the shining lace bodice to the flawless satins and to the dazzling white pearls. Every of their designs came with beaded pearls, just in different formats, but it was their signatory.

“Nyla, would you be free tomorrow? maybe we could go pick my wedding dress together”,I said pulling myself from her hug.

I wanted to do shopping with her because she always knew what suit me perfectly, when it came to matters of clothes, she was my go to-girl.

“Hold on a moment, let me look up my schedule”,she said as she picked up her phone and scrolled through it. I looked at her face hoping to find a quick response through her emotions, but alas!

“Ohh, I'm sorry Emily. According to my schedule, Liam has his appointment with the doctor tomorrow.”,she replied sadly.

“What time is it? Is it possible we do it when I get back? I leave by 12:00noon.”, she added quickly.

I peered at the message from Ethan to be sure of the time I had seen but it was stated there, it had to be by 12 too

“No problem babes, I'd check it myself”,I replied feigning a smile.

“I’d make it up to you my Emily”,she added again.

***

Later that night, we sat on the bed, as I related the ugly details of the past week in my life to Nyla. She had just put Liam to bed. She listened with rapt attention, nodding her head when necessary and portraying just the right emotions.

When she was sure I had said everything I needed to say, she began talking. I listened with rapt attention, as she narrated the ordeals life had put her through but how she had emerged stronger. Though listening to her, I just sat there admiring the woman she was growing into.

“Don't worry Emily, you're still going to live your best life and we're still going to tour the world together,” she said and we both giggled at the last line. It was our dream to tour the world together, from Bora Bora island to Maldives island to Santorini, to Seychelles, to Cancun. We would go on and on nonstop.

After our laughter died down, I spoke “Babes you're the best, I love you and would do life with you over and over again”, I said giving her a peck on the cheek.

“I love you too my Emily, you know I'd do anything for you?”,she asked looking at me, I nodded my head in response. Before long, I drifted into sleep.

***

The following day, I set out and booked a cab after I was done preparing the midtest questions for my students.

It was the midterm week, and tests were held during this time to assess the students. Nyla had left with Liam few minutes earlier.

The cab came to a halt at no 9, Lakeman Town, “Beautiful pieces”.

I got to the store and was about opening the door, when a gentle man reached out for the door and held it open.

I turned to my side to see who it was.

He was the most handsome man I had ever laid my eyes on. He had medium-length dark brown wavy hair. His hair, thick and full, slightly faded at the temples. His beard and mustache were clean and well-trimmed, with a hint of brown. He had a dimpled jaw, sleepy eyes, broad shoulders. In all sincerity, he looked manly, even far better than Ethan I thought to myself.

I was welcomed from my admiration world, when he spoke, and he had the calmest hoarse voice ever.

“For a pretty lady like you”, he said holding the door for me.

“Thank you”, I smiled walking in, and headed straight to the bridal section and like that we parted ways.

“Welcome ma”,a woman who I guessed should be around my age said as I walked into the bridal section. As she smiled, she revealed her immaculate dentition.

“Thank you”, I responded, returning the smile.

“I'm Amaya, and I'd be attending to you today, what designs do you have in mind?”,she asked, switching to a more formal tone.

“I don't have any in particular, but I'm from Billionaire Ethan K-I-N-G-S-T-O-N”,I did as I had been instructed by him.

“Ohh wow, so nice to meet you. We've been expecting you, let me show you our best designs”, she said as she walked me through their designs.

I hated to mention that name, but I sure loved the attention it was getting me.

As she walked me through, showing their designs, I was immediately struck by two stunning wedding dresses on display.

The first one, a classic ball gown with a lace bodice, seemed to shimmer and shine in the light. The fitted, boned bodice, cinched at the waist, showcasing intricate, hand-beaded embroidery that sparkled like diamonds. The full, flared skirt fell in soft folds to the floor, made from layers of tulle and organza that gave it a romantic ethereal quality. A delicate, sparkling lace overlay added texture to the bodice.

I couldn't help but feel like a fairytale princess as I gazed at the dress. I imagined myself walking down the aisle, the delicate sparkling tiara on my head, catching the light.

As I turned to look at the second dress, my eyes widened in amazement, taking a closer look. The silk satin fitted gown with beaded embroidery was a sleek, modern design that seemed to hug the curves of the body. The fitted, boned bodice featured intricate, hand-beaded embroidery, and the streamlined, floor length skirt fell in elegant folds to the floor, with a dramatic plunging neckline adding a touch of glamour to the overall design. It was the perfect dress for the modern bride.

Deciding on which one to go for, the classic ball gown or the silk satin fitted gown, I stood there admiring both dresses, when I heard,

“The classic ball gown looks so good on you, like the princess that you are”

I turned around to see who it was and immediately recognized him as the guy who held the door for me.

I realized he had been watching me all along.

“Does he feel a thing for me, the way I do. Maybe there's really a love at first sight”

I wondered what he was doing in the store, if not to come shop for his wedding cloth too. His next statement confirmed that there would never be an us.

“Goodluck with your wedding, your husband is so lucky to have you”, he continued.

“Damn I'm getting married to that i***t and there'll never be a chance with my love at first sight”

I gave a wry smile and turned to Ms. Amaya to confirm the payment. Immediately she confirmed, I left the store and headed back to Nyla's home.