The Contract

Chapter 25 - The Dress Shopping

I pulled my hair back into a ponytail and studied the result in the mirror. It wasn’t perfect, but I could work with it.

After fixing the pin in place, I stepped back to check out my outfit—only to bump into someone behind me. I looked up and frowned. "Do you mind?"

He barely glanced at me, stepping over to the closet. "Thought you wanted me around?" he replied as he opened the glass doors.

Rolling my eyes, I turned back to the mirror. "Not everywhere. Do you have to be around all the time?"

"Insatiable as always, wife," he said with a smirk, tapping my waist lightly before walking out. I huffed, dropping the brush, and followed him back into the room.

He was in the middle of changing into a black suit laid out on the bed. "And where are you even going?" I asked, picking up a silver clutch from the side table.

"Just need to handle a few things," he replied, unbuttoning his shirt. I looked away and gathered my things. "And you?"

"Dress shopping."

As I made my way downstairs, I was finally beginning to get the hang of this house. "Well, now that’s an entrance," I heard Hillary say.

"Oh my gosh! You’re here!" I said, walking over to her. She gave me an approving once-over. Today, I wore a black dress with an open back and a front slit, paired with silver bubble clogs.

"You look beautiful."

"So do you. Are you coming with us today?" I asked.

"Yes. I thought I should help out, especially after how Raquel's wedding dress turned out." I chuckled as we headed out.

The rest of the family was already downstairs. "These ladies’ fashion sense could be stuck in the '90s, and no one dares go against their choices," I whispered.

"So, are you going to help?" I asked, and she grinned.

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Hillary showed me endless wedding dresses and designs, talking non-stop about brands. I couldn’t really blame her; this was her world.

The limo was packed by the time we were ready, so Hillary and I took an SUV alone, which was fine by me. At least I got a small glimpse of Italy on the way.

We arrived at another bridal shop, and they handed us champagne the second we walked in. I took a large gulp as the others immediately started picking out dresses.

"I didn't expect to see you here," Raquel said, her comment aimed more at Hillary.

"Shouldn’t you be wherever it is you usually are?" Hillary shot back. Raquel glared and walked away, and I rolled my eyes.

"I can’t stand her," Hillary muttered, downing more of her drink. "Pearl! Try these dresses!" Mrs. Rosa called out.

I sighed. Hillary pulled a rack over to me, loaded with at least eight dresses, and said, "Pick one." I glanced over them, unimpressed.

"Come on, just make a choice," Hillary encouraged, and I hesitated until Raquel pulled out one of the dresses.

"I like this one."

"It’s not your wedding, Raquel."

"It’s my brother’s wedding, so—"

"Okay, I’ll try these three," I said, grabbing a few dresses before quickly heading to the changing room to avoid a fight. I could barely stay on Rosa's good side as it was.

Frustrated, I changed into the first dress and walked out. They squealed with approval, but Hillary shook her head, so I went back to try the next one. They admired it, but by the third dress, they were convinced it was “the one.”