Master of Obsession (Masters Trilogy Book One)

I was in tenth grade when I started dreaming about a man who would love me with all of his heart the same way I do. To never leave me when times get rough. To look me in the eyes sincerely and assure me that I am the only woman in his world. Yes, that is how I daydream while putting my artistry to good use. I was really busy sketching my dream wedding dress. Googling the best venue that I pictured in my mind. The ambience and scenery of the reception. Jotting down all the preparations needed in order to have a dazzling wedding day like no other. I drew it page by page in my sketchbook. I know this sounds weird because, at such a young age, I always believe in fairytales, even though I have no experience of affection and still haven't got any boyfriends. Like ever. Foolishly enough, I also feel lonely because all of my closest friends have significant others. Almost all of my classmates and friends were looking through the window just giggling and gushing at a boy named Valentino Palma. He was seemingly mysterious, but to the eyes of many, especially to my best friend and sister Amelia, he was (and still is, according to her) the most perfect person in the world. He was in another class, but we were in the same grade. I didn't like him as much as my sister does, mainly because his stares haunted me to sleep. Although I would say he has very nice physical features, from his almond-shaped and green eyes, down to his perfect jawline, not to mention his fit body and 5 '10, he looked like a celebrity studying at a state school! One time, Valentino tried to get my attention by waving to me, which was so out of character. Unusual, but I tried to brush it off by giving a slight smile to him. Since then, he started trying to have conversations with me whenever we clashed with each other in the school's garden, in the cafeteria, or worse, while I was studying at the library. I have no intention of talking to him, but I like him slightly as a person. However, students, teachers and even faculty only knew that his father owned a huge company. No one knows why he came or transferred to our state school, considering we know a little bit of information about him. But I am certain, his physique is captivating to everyone who lays eyes on him. “Stefania, so you really think that Valentino is really into you?” Amelia questioned. I shook my head in disapproval. Never in my life did I think of that thing. “I just know that I am not his type, or I guess he tries to make friends.” I replied. “That’s right, you had better check yourself before I…”, she was eager to find a suitable word, but she was more astounded because Valentino was in front of our cafeteria table. I have to mention that this table was only good for two, and he was bringing a tray full of food for his lunch. “May I sit with you two?” Valentino asked while still looking intently at me. I didn't say anything but nodded my head as a sign of approval. Amelia was too stunned to speak, and she was desperately finding a vacant chair. She has a crush on him, that is why she wanted to strike up a conversation with Valentino. Finally, she found one and offered him a seat. He mouthed thank you to her while placing his tray on the table and making himself feel comfortable. As they were talking, I remained quiet. I would not meddle in the middle of their conversation. I do notice that Valentino always glances towards me, which is ridiculous because Amelia always tries to divert his attention from her. I wasn't paying attention to them that much because I ate my lunch in a silent way. Valentino and Amelia hit it off right away, they started having a date, going out with just the two of them, and Valentino would come to our house on weekends. Their relationship lasted for almost 3 years, and we were in 12th grade by then. One day, it stopped. No more dates, visits and fun little adventures. She stormed into our house, swiftly walking. Amelia stopped abruptly, faced me with tears streaming down her face. Both of our parents were shocked at her current state. “Everything was a lie!” she blurted while looking straight at my eyes. I felt the chills. That's the only thing she said. Amelia went upstairs and locked herself in her room all day long. We never talked about that thing again. Today, at 7:30 in the morning, I am getting ready to get married. Ten years have passed and I still have my sketches with me. It's never a fleeting moment to watch your dreams unfold. I could not believe that I had achieved what I wanted! My husband Fraco and I chose 13th of October as our wedding day. The wedding ceremony starts at 12 o'clock and the wedding venue that we both decided on is Hôtel Belles Rives. It has a private beach, which is ideal, since our attendees do not like crowded places. It's a win-win for me too, because I would love to watch the calmness of the sea during our special day. All of my bridesmaids and my maid of honor got their own hair and makeup artists. My mother Lucena is in another hotel room together with Pedro, my father. She got her own hair and makeup artist too. I believe it would be easier to have an individual HMUA for each one so that we can manage the time efficiently. Now looking at myself in front of a vanity mirror, I feel content knowing that I will soon be a bride. My HMUA is my closest friend, named Zara. We were chatting about our time together when we were in high school, laughing hysterically about the times that we made ourselves look like fools when suddenly my sister barged in. We stopped what we were doing and we both looked at her. “There is something we have to show you, Stef!”, Amelia excitedly announced. Zara and I looked at each other before giving a nod to ourselves. As we walked to the living room, I noticed that there was a huge white gift box with a gold ribbon on the table, giving a nod to our wedding motif. It waits to be opened. I took a closer look at the box adorned with embossed patterns, similar to regency damask wallpaper. All of the people inside the room formed a small circle around me, and Amelia, who is my maid of honor, happily hugged Zara. I carefully untied the bow of the ribbon, and opened the box. The first thing that appeared was a handwritten note. Upon further inspection, I noticed that it was written in a fountain pen. I read the note as it says: “Please wear this during reception.” Amelia asked for the note while I was distracted by the dress. Amelia’s face suddenly became grim. I don't know why, but it's my special day so I will not bother myself to worry about it. They were very excited as I slowly revealed what was inside. It's a beautiful white dress! The top has a relaxed v-neckline and is made of satin and glittery tulle. It has long sleeves, slightly puffed and is kind of see-through. The bottom part of the dress has layers of glittery tulle. “Try it on! Try it on!”. They happily cheered. “Okay, okay. You guys make me feel adamant about having to wear this dress, and you know what, this is drop dead gorgeous!”, I replied. Moments after I hurriedly put on the dress, I looked at the full-length mirror that my mother placed earlier. My jaw dropped! The dress is floor length and has a front slit, which makes the dress look sexier yet elegant to me. There is also a stone-encrusted waistband which sums up the dress. I pictured myself dancing around in the reception area and it made me thrilled! I try to lift up the skirt a little bit and I feel that there are pockets on each side. “That is beautiful to you”, Jean, one of my four bridesmaids, declared. “I know! It is definitely similar to one of my sketches when I was in 10th grade”, I delightfully exclaimed. “I believe it was given by your fairy godmother!” Zara jokingly said. We all laughed. I believe I was saved by goodness because we have an extra mannequin in our hotel room. Because of that, I will never bother to put it back in the box. I immediately undressed myself with the help of the bridesmaids and resumed what we were doing. My smile never leaves my face the entire time. It really is a big day today. As Zara and I continued our conversation from earlier, I suddenly heard a low murmur from a distance. “Fraco would never write it like that.” My smile quickly fades. Whose voice was that?