Under My Body

chapter seven

       It had been a few days since I last saw Asher, and despite the passage of time, I couldn't seem to shake off the gravity of our conversation. He was back home now, and while the physical scars had healed, the emotional ones seemed to linger in my thoughts. I couldn't shake the image of him, the way he spoke about his uncle's horrific actions with a tone so detached, it was as if he had learned to live with the pain as part of his reality. I couldn't comprehend how someone could be so cruel, and the fact that Asher had lived through that was horrifying to me.

When Xavier returned from his dinner visit with Asher, I felt compelled to share my own reactions. He was clearly taken aback, his brows furrowing as he processed the gravity of the situation. "I had no idea Asher would open up like that," he said, his voice filled with concern and disbelief. "He's always been so closed off. I can't believe he told you."

I nodded, the weight of it still pressing heavily on me. "It was... intense," I said, my voice faltering slightly. "I felt like my world was spinning after he told me. It's hard to imagine someone living through something like that."

Xavier sighed, shaking his head. It was hard to measure the impact of a single visit, especially when weighed against the enormity of someone's past trauma.

Today, however, I was focused on my work. I was at the wedding venue, anxiously awaiting the arrival of Ratha and her fiancé, Oliver. After countless late nights and a barrage of late night phone calls, I had finally found a location that will capture Ratha's vision perfectly and fit within her budget.

The venue was a breathtaking blend of tradition and modern elegance. It was an expansive indoor space with high ceilings adorned with intricate chandeliers that cast a warm, golden glow over everything. The open area was surrounded by lush gardens, blooming with an array of colors, and a sprawling lawn that stretched out, giving the whole space a sense of freedom and luxury. Massive pillars rose from the floor, their surfaces embellished with subtle, elegant patterns that hinted at traditional motifs without overwhelming the space. The backdrop of the venue featured a serene lake with gentle ripples reflecting the light, surrounded by lush gardens that added a touch of nature to the indoor setting.

I had settled on a professional yet stylish outfit for the day: a pair of straight-cut black slacks paired with a black and white striped button-up shirt cinched at the waist, creating a flattering hourglass silhouette. I had left the top two buttons undone for a relaxed look and styled my hair in a simple bun. My makeup was understated, with soft brown lipstick to complement the rest of my appearance, and I wore white kitten heels that were both practical and chic.

As I breathed in the fresh, floral scent of the venue and took in its beauty, I felt a swell of pride. Finding this location in such a short time frame felt like a significant achievement. The space was elegant, yet versatile enough to accommodate the blend of traditional and modern elements that Ratha and Oliver wanted for their wedding.

The sound of clicking high heels drew my attention, and I turned to see Ratha and Oliver approaching. I greeted them with a warm smile, though I couldn't shake the growing knot of anxiety in my stomach.

Ratha's initial reaction was not what I had hoped for. Her eyes scanned the venue with a critical glare, and her lips curled into a slight frown. "Is this really the best you could find?" she asked, her voice dripping with disapproval. "I expected something more... impressive. This doesn't look nearly as luxurious as I had envisioned."

My heart sank at her words. I had worked hard to find a venue that met both her aesthetic and budgetary needs, and I was disheartened to see her so dissatisfied. "Ratha, I assure you, this space has a lot of potential. It's quite versatile, and we can make a number of enhancements to fit your vision."