PERFECT MATCH

4 - DRESS

Mabel's POV

Glamour Bride Bridal Shop, Victoria Island.

This isn't happening, I told myself for the fifth time since we got here. Ada drove us to the biggest bridal shop in Lagos after my father barked orders because I insisted I won't go.

I was going through a fashion magazine seated on a red sofa, Ada sat opposite me on the black leather couch as we awaited the groom.

Of course, deep down I was very much curious to see what my future husband looked like. I only prayed that my parents made the right choice.

"Ma'am what can I get you?" I was bright back to life by the sound of a voice. I looked up from the magazine that I was paying no attention to abf it was a sales rep.

Fighting the urge to roll my eyes, I faked a wide grin. "Nothing."

She turns to Ada. "Nothing, just water if you have." She gave a genuine smile and the young lady walked out.

Rolling my eyes with a long hiss I closed the magazine. "I didn't know we are in a restaurant. Really?"

Ada laughed. "It's just a way of showing hospitality to their customers. Especially vip."

I grabbed my bag from the centerpiece table and got out my cigar stick with my designer lighter. Placing the cigarette in between my lips which were coated in Mvp matte lipstick, I lighted the end.

Ada turned to me immediately she perceived the smell of smoke slowly filling the air around us.

"Mabel what the fuck are you doing?" She creased her brow, her eyes bulging out of their sockets and the skin of her forehead folding.

Shrugging because I owed no one an explanation, I inhaled.  Pulling the stock out with my index and thumb, I exhaled.

"Isn't it obvious what I'm doing and why I'm doing it?"

"No!" Ada countered. "I don't think you have any reason to smoke in broadday light in the middle of a bridal shop like this at your own dress picking."

"Yes mom." I faked a smile and continued smoking.

Ada shot up to her feet in anger, came to me and dragged the stock out of my mouth, throwing it into a nearby bin. "Okay you need to stop! You're not at a club and this isn't even allowed here. Mabel people are watching."

I scoffed, anger filling me up. "No! You  are the one that needs to stop." I stood to my feet, eye level with her.

"You're not the one who comes back home after a good night to bad news of getting married to a stranger that my parents picked and already decided. You are not the one that got pushed out of the house this morning and forced to be here." My hot breath fanned her face as we were just inches away from each other.

Her face fell, her mood changing to sadness as her eyes became cloudy.

"It's okay." She pulled me in for a hug, a very warm hug that I needed and that calmed my soul.

Then we sat. "Mabel trust me, I do not understand what you are going through. I also know that it's not fair to be forced into a marriage especially with someone you have no feelings for."

"Exactly, so tell my dad." I pleaded, with puppy eyes.

"It's too late. Uncle really means it this time and you do not want to take any chances. Maybe you should at least walk into this with an open mind, an open heart too."

I blinked, not comprehending what she was saying.

"Who knows, this guy might be the one for you after all. You can both fall in love and have your happily ever after." She chattered with dreamy eyes.