Underground Legends: The Hunt (BWWM)

Chapter 15 - Abella

Abella Sterling (Female P.O.V)

October 20, 2074

My eyes followed Cristina as she paced in front of me while furiously typing a message on her phone. With each step, the grooves in her forehead deepened, drawing concerned glances from the consultant, Saint, and me. Suddenly Cris stopped and stared at the screen. Before I could sneak a peek, she mashed the off button and joined me on the white sectional couch.

She didn't say anything, and she didn't need to. I already knew the cause of her foul mood. Roughly ten minutes had passed since we arrived at the bridal shop, and Mrs. Clarkson and the rest of Cris's bridesmaids were still a no-show.

While we waited, the staff generously provided us with a bottle of Pinot Grigio. It was half empty now. And soon, it would run out just like the staff's patience.

"Are they almost here?" I whispered, grabbing the wine bottle off the coffee table and refilling our glasses.

"No, they stopped to check out a larger banquet hall."

"Why? What's wrong with the one you originally chose?"

"Nothing sh...I...we..." She inhaled deeply and let it out. "Nothing."

What? Her lack of an explanation puzzled me, but for the moment, I dropped it.

"Well, you may have to reschedule, Cris."

"No, I'm sure they'll be here...soon." Her voice faded towards the end, making me doubt if she even believed her own words.

"Let's wait a few more minutes." She added, flashing a half-hearted smile.

I sighed and handed her her glass. "Okay."

While we drank our wine, my eyes roamed freely over the room. The brightly lit space was average in size, but its high ceiling made it appear much grander. Long floor-to-ceiling mirrors occupied the entire front wall enabling an unobstructed view of the racks upon racks and mannequins filling the room.

There were no windows, ensuring nothing distracted you from the beautiful dresses on display. Each one varied from the most simplistic and classic designs to something bolder and ostentatious. It was a soon-to-be bride's paradise.

Yet Cris didn't seem impressed nor interested in any of them.

She turned to the woman with a frown on her face. "Jill, where is the wedding dress I picked out?" She asked, looking around the room.

"Oh, I believe someone purchased it yesterday."

"What? Why would you sell it?!"

Jill's brow slightly furrowed, seemingly confused by Cris's anger. "Because Mrs. Clarkson told us you were no longer interested in that one, and sh-"

"She said what?!"

"Mrs. Clarkson said you were no longer interested." She repeated, unfazed by the heated glare Cris aimed her way. "And she selected these dresses for you." She added with a slight flourish of her hand to the left.

Cristina's mouth fell open, utterly floored by Mrs. Clarkson's audacity. It took her a minute or two before she finally looked in the direction the woman indicated. And as soon as her eyes landed on the two mannequins, a deep crimson flush spread across her face.

Both of them were Victorian Style wedding dresses complete with tiny matching umbrellas. Although they were classically beautiful, they weren't what Cristina wanted.

"I'll have someone bring the first one to the changing room." Jill continued, but Cris only gave a curt nod in response as she turned to me.

"Tell me, am I the one getting married, or is she?" She whispered.