Dark Romance: A Cruel Obsession

“Of course, my dear,” Nirupama said as she put on her reading glasses, delighted that Vivian took an interest in her dress. “I’ll go get it for you right away.”

The wedding dress was truly beautiful, shimmering under the lights. Vivian affectionately stroked its lace. The train was long, and although Nirupama assisted her, Vivian still struggled a bit to put it on.

Vivian walked to the mirror and could clearly see the amazement in Nirupama’s eyes. She hadn’t expected to look so good in the wedding dress-she was glowing, almost like a different person.

“Putting this on will make it even more perfect.” Luzia stepped forward to arrange her hair, placing the headpiece and veil while holding her face in awe. “Alajos will be mesmerized by you. No, any man who witnesses your beauty will be captivated.”ConTEent bel0ngs to Nôv(e)lD/rama(.)Org .

“You really are beautiful,” Nirupama added. “This dress seems like it was tailor-made for you.”

Vivian touched the wedding dress she was wearing; the beautiful garment lifted her spirits. “I really like it.”

The bell at the entrance of the bridal shop chimed, and Vivian looked towards the door. A cute girl with two braided pigtails and a wide-brimmed sun hat walked in. She wore a chiffon blouse paired with a cotton A-line skirt, holding a pink designer bag in front of her, looking both casual and elegant.

Upon seeing Luzia, the girl let out an exaggerated gasp, “Luzia, it really is you!”

Luzia, with a smile on her face at the accurate call of her name, stepped forward and exchanged a warm hug with her. “Did you come to find me, Shelley?”

“Of course not,” Shelley said. “I was shopping. Passing by Nirupama’s bridal shop, I noticed a car that looked like it belonged to the Hargrave family, so I came in to see if it was you.”

“Yes, it’s me.” Luzia stepped back from Shelley and naturally took Vivian’s hand. “Let me share some good news; this is my sister-in-law, Alajos’s fiancee, Vivian, our future Mrs. Hargrave.”

“Miss Vivian, it’s a pleasure to meet you. I’m Shelley Benoist.” Shelley gracefully lifted her skirt. “This wedding dress is really beautiful.”

Shelley sincerely complimented Vivian’s beauty with a gentle and submissive look in her eyes. She seemed like a gentle and lovely girl, but for some reason, Vivian sensed hostility in her gaze.

Vivian took a step back quietly. “Yes, it’s beautiful.”

“Beautiful clothes can make one feel confident,” Shelley said with a smile. “It’s how an ugly duckling turns into a swan.”

Luzia frowned. “Shelley!”

“The ugly duckling didn’t become a swan because it was beautiful; it was always a swan.” Vivian headed to the dressing room. “Even without the beautiful feathers, an ugly duckling is still a swan.”

“Shelley, she’s a lady from the Jones family, Alajos’s fiancee, not someone you can provoke at will.” Once Vivian closed the door of the dressing room, Luzia’s face turned stern. “Please show her the respect she deserves.”

Shelley bit her lip. “I heard she didn’t want to marry Alajos, that she even fled from Lady Yazmin’s estate to avoid it, causing trouble in Los Angeles.”

“But she also brought great benefits to Houston. Alajos isn’t a fool. He’s willing to accept her even after she did something that trampled on his dignity, which shows her value.” Luzia warned Shelley in a low voice, “Don’t try to challenge Vivian again. She’s someone Alajos needs to protect.”

“But I can’t accept that.” Shelley’s eyes reddened. “The Benoist family has been the most loyal followers of the Hargraves. My father and brother support Alajos’s rule over Houston, and I…”

“An alliance with the powerful Los Angeles is the only way to help Houston out of trouble,” Luzia looked at Shelley. “These are Alajos’s own words.”

Shelley’s eyes widened, and large tears rolled down. No one could change the Capo’s will; his engagement to Vivian was set in stone.

A beautiful wedding dress could indeed temporarily make one forget their sorrows, but once it was taken off and the everyday clothes were back on, the feeling of being unable to control one’s fate enveloped Vivian again.

If she weren’t marrying the Capo…

Vivian didn’t want to continue the thought.

She feared she might burst into tears on the spot.

After changing back into her clothes, Vivian stepped out tofind Shelley no longer in the bridal shop. She approached Luzia, seeking Shelley’s whereabouts with her eyes.

“She went shopping, had an appointment with her sisters,” Luzia said with a smile. “Let Nirupama take your measurements, the dress seems a bit large.”

Nirupama came with a tape measure to help Vivian with her sizing. She planned to make appropriate alterations to the wedding dress according to Vivian’s measurements, to better fit her figure and enhance her graceful curves.

“It’s just wonderful,” Nirupama exclaimed again. “Our Capo is about to have a lovely and beautiful bride. It’s so exciting.”

“After the adjustments, call this number.” Once the measurements were taken, Luzia handed Nirupama a piece of paper with a phone number on it. “Alajos will send someone to pick up the dress.”

Meanwhile, Vivian was flipping through the register on the counter. She saw her name and the price tag of her wedding dress.

“Sixty thousand dollars?” Vivian gasped in shock, exclaiming, “That’s too expensive, it’s not right…”

Vivian wanted to stop Luzia from swiping her card, but she was a moment too late; Luzia had already paid.

Luzia was pleased to have completed the task assigned to her by Alajos. “What does it matter? You’re his wife; spending his money is only natural.” Luzia’s eyes narrowed as she looked at Vivian, probably pleased on behalf of Alajos. “Don’t worry, he’s more than willing to spend on you. You really do look stunning in that dress. He’ll be so eager to have you, to tear off your clothes and devour you…”

This was too frightening. Vivian couldn’t bear to listen. She covered Luzia’s mouth, shaking her head, begging her not to say any more.

“I… I don’t think this wedding dress is particularly suited for me, let’s look for another,” Vivian said, her gaze flitting about in panic. “Maybe I can try that one, or this one here.”

“Calm down, Vivian, I’ve already paid,” Luzia said as she and Nirupama said their goodbyes, leading an anxious Vivian out of the bridal shop. “Alajos doesn’t lack sixty thousand dollars, and neither do you. It really suits you; there’s no need to look for another.”

“But…”

“We have plenty of time. How about we find a place to have a cup of coffee?” Luzia suggested excitedly.

Mare looked at her silently.

Luzia reluctantly gave up the idea. “OK, I guess we should head back.”

Luzia got into the car first.

Mare helped Vivian with the car door. “Are you alright?”

Vivian shook her head. “I really want to go for a walk.”

Mare looked troubled. “I’m sorry, I must ensure your safety.”

“I don’t want to go back,” Vivian said, shaking her head and stepping back, her eyes red. “It’s suffocating there; it will kill me.”