The Contract

Chapter 36 - The Bachelorette Party

"Drum roll, please," Hillary said, turning to me with a dramatic flourish. I just stared at her blankly, unimpressed.

"Okay, bring it in, girls!" she ordered, undeterred, and I sighed, walking over to the window.

I stared out at the city below, the hum of traffic and life carrying on, oblivious to the weight of this moment. "It's here," she announced.

I turned back around and froze. There it was—the dress—displayed on a sleek black mannequin. The girls were carefully arranging the long trail behind it like they were curating a masterpiece.

"So..." Hillary prompted, her voice expectant, eyes twinkling as she waited for my reaction.

I took a slow step closer, my eyes glued to the dress, unable to look away.

It was stunning—a white lace dress with intricate transparent patterns. The tight corset cupped the bodice perfectly, with no sleeves to distract from the simplicity.

My gaze followed the open back, dipping all the way to the waistline, where it hugged the body snugly. The fit was perfect to the hem, cascading into a long, elegant train that spread out beautifully around the base.

I looked up at the group, their faces hopeful, holding their breath.

"Wow," I breathed at last, and they all exhaled in relief.

"It's wonderful, Hillary. Wow."

"Oh my gosh, I'm so glad you love it!" she said, practically bouncing on her heels.

"How did you... know what I'd wanted?" I asked, marveling at the thought behind it.

"I noticed you weren't interested in those big, traditional dresses. You needed something simple but sexy. Transparent lace and an open back? Travis is going to swoon."

I smiled despite myself. She’d nailed it. The dress was beautiful.

"Do you want to try it on? The girls are waiting," she asked eagerly. "Yeah," I said softly.

Moments later

I straightened the dress as I stood before the mirror. The veil rested on my head but hadn’t yet been drawn over my face.

The fit was impeccable. I admired the way it hugged my curves—the lace, the long trail—it was perfect. But as I stared, the reality of the situation sank in.

It looked real now. Too real. I was really getting married.

Contract or not, this was happening. Maybe that’s why I’d avoided seeing the dress until now. I knew it would trigger another panic attack, and sure enough, my hands were starting to sweat.

I turned away from the mirror, and there was Hillary waiting patiently. "You ready?"

I pushed a smile onto my face. She nodded, lowering the veil slowly before walking over to pull open the door.

As I stepped forward, the girls all turned to look, their eyes widening. I ascended the platform, feeling their gazes on me like a spotlight.

Raquel’s jaw dropped. Kourtney’s hands flew to her mouth in shock. I stood there like a living doll as the room fell silent.

"Oh my gosh!" Bella gasped, breaking the silence. She walked over and gently took my hands. "You look beautiful, Pearl."

Tears glimmered in her eyes.

"Wow, Hillary, I can't believe you designed this," Bethany said, rising to her feet.

"You look like a bride now," Natalia added, though her words hit me in a way I didn’t like.