Chapter 13: what a family.

"No, no, I don't want a heavy one."

"But ma'am, that's what I am being paid for. I can't just leave—"

"But I am the bride, and you've already been paid. Now I'm saying I don't want different colors of the rainbow on my face. How hard is that?" I tried reasoning with her, but some people's minds just can't be changed.

"But Mrs. Parker will not like this," she said, giving me an unsure look.

After a whole lot of persuasion, she left after giving me a very light makeup look, and I'm like, Can't one thing go my way today?

Starting from me not being given the privilege to choose my husband, to the ridiculously uncomfortable outfit. The length is just too long, the hairpin that packed my curled hair into a bun is too tight, and the torturing heels are staring at me, waiting for me to wear them.

I actually like the heels; they're cute and surprisingly comfortable to wear. But they're too high.

So much for simple dressing.

The dress itself, though beautiful, is a story of its own. It's a classic white gown that Pearl insisted on—and dragged me to almost 20 shopping malls to find.

The off-the-shoulder neckline is adorned with intricate pearls and delicate crystal beading that shimmers under the light. The sheer fabric above the chest gives an illusion of elegance and modesty, balanced by the poofy, billowy sleeves that make me feel like I'm starring in a period drama.

The fitted bodice cinches at my waist before flowing out into a voluminous skirt that brushes the floor like a soft whisper. It's ethereal, dreamy, and definitely not simple—even after I begged Pearl for something less dramatic.

There's nobody to walk me down the aisle. My dad is too busy with a very important meeting to attend his own daughter's wedding after putting her in a very uncomfortable position.

Jasmine's spa appointment every Saturday cannot be omitted just because of a "worthless piece of shit" —her words, not mine.

I feel really bad for the Parkers, for the amount of money they wasted on this wedding when only four people are going to attend. Yeah, I said four, because Aunt Maya promised to make an entrance with Uncle Williams and Reha. That's probably five, but...

Aunt Maya was the one who changed my mind about getting married. She said, "Not all marriages end up like your parents', dear. Getting married will finally let you live like a free bird—no one telling you what to do or treating you like shit. Mira, please listen to me this one time and give marriage a shot. But remember, in whatever you choose, I will always support you."

After a lot of internal battles, I decided to give it a shot.

Don't get me wrong, I like the Parkers. Well, maybe apart from that asshole. I spent the whole of yesterday with Pearl, picking a wedding dress and more, and it was lovely—even though Pearl dragged me around like a woman on a mission. She's dramatic but sweet in her own way.

My mental preparation was interrupted by a knock. To be honest, I'm not nervous, and I'm not looking for love in this marriage. Seriously, I haven't witnessed any arranged marriage that actually ends well—except in stories. I just want to make myself happy and enjoy life to the fullest. My savings account is quite loaded, after all. I've been saving since high school. Since I'm not using the money to escape to a faraway place anymore, I might as well spend it.

"Aunt, can I come in?" I heard a tiny voice say through the door as it burst open, revealing Aunt Maya, Pearl, and Reha.

"Oh!"

"My!"

"Gosh!"

"You look so beautiful, Mira."

"I'm so proud of myself. My choice is always so good!" Pearl squealed and smiled at me while Aunt Maya rolled her eyes and muttered "drama queen" loud enough for everyone to hear.

I turned to Reha, who was standing in a beautiful princess dress.

"Reha, you're here!"

"Yes, that's right. Your one and only!"

I chuckled as she jumped on me, hugging me tight.

I ran to hug Aunt Maya, with Reha still in my arms.

"You came."

"I wouldn't miss this for the whole world. You look gorgeous and sexy," she winked at me as she said the last part.

"Aww, why do you get to know how to wink?" Pearl said, pouting.

"Probably because I'm perfect at everything," Aunt Maya said, flipping her hair.

"Nice joke," Pearl retorted, making Aunt Maya scoff.

"Xavier will totally swoon over you when he sees you," Pearl said, squealing again.

I just rolled my eyes. I don't look that bad. It's just that the lenght is too long and, and...... i honestly don't know, the dress is beautiful, I must commend pearl.

I dropped Reha to hug Uncle Williams, who entered after them. That's Aunt Maya's husband—a very lovely and kind man.

"Hello, chipmunk. How are you doing?"

Reha ran out, saying she wanted to explore the mansion, and Aunt Maya asked her to be careful.

"If being forced to marry someone you know nothing about a year after finishing college is totally normal to you, then I'm perfectly fine." I gave him a very sarcastic smile, and he just patted my head and sighed.

"You're all grown up now. Even though I think I liked you better when you were a teen, now that you're getting married, it all feels like yesterday." He said this, wiping his fake tears.

"I'm 21, for crying out loud," I pouted, and everybody laughed.

"Where are your parents? The ceremony is about to start."

"Hmmmm, about that. They're too busy to come. Dad has a 'very important meeting,' and Jasmine has a spa appointment every Saturday. So yeah, it's just me," I said with a shrug.

Pearl gave me a sympathetic look, and Aunt Maya looked like she was about to blow up with anger.

"Don't worry, chipmunk. I'll walk with you," Uncle Williams said, patting my hair AGAIN.

"Really?"

"Definitely. God didn't bless me with two bundles of trouble just for me to do nothing," he said, smiling to himself when Aunt Maya hit his chest and glared at him.

"My babies aren't trouble."

"Then what are they then—"

"Okay, lovebirds, enough bickering. You can continue in the bedroom. The ceremony is about to start," Pearl said, making Aunt Maya turn to her and glare.

I chuckled. What a family.

WELL, WELL, WELL. Look at us, thriving.

I don't know about you guys, but personally? I LOVE that dress. The drama, the poofy sleeves, the cinched waist, the ✨bridal royalty vibes✨—I'd probably wear it around my house just to feel fancy. Imagine sweeping through your kitchen like, "Behold, peasants. I have arrived."😏 .

Also, I want to do a little something in the next chapter! As my token of appreciation, I'll be tagging the first person to comment OR the person with the most comments

so, stay tuned and dramatic💅

Aurevoir