Chapter 1- My Wedding Dress

I rushed into my room, my head spinning with the weight of what had just transpired. Was I really about to marry the love of my life? It was a thought that should have filled me with joy, but I couldn't shake the unease that clung to my heart. After all, Sebastian was supposed to marry my sister and their wedding had been scheduled just a month away. He hadn't opposed the proposal, which left me with the haunting thought that he might have feelings for April.

As I pondered these thoughts, a soft knock on my door broke through my reverie. My mom entered, carrying a wedding dress and a set of jewelry, but my heart sank as I realized they weren't meant for me; they belonged to April. I couldn't help but feel as if I were inheriting everything that April had rejected or left behind. I stared at the dress and jewelry, unable to bring myself to accept them.

Just then, my phone rang, and I saw Sebastian's name on the screen. With a heavy sigh, I answered the call.

"Hi," I said, my voice tinged with sadness.

"Are you okay, Bee?" he asked, genuine concern evident in his tone.

"Yeah," I replied, though my words belied the turmoil within me.

"What's troubling you? Please, if you don't want to go through with this, just say the word. I'll put an end to all this madness," he stated firmly, his voice carrying a gentle tenderness that reached deep into my heart.

"It's not about that," I responded, my voice trembling as I tried to put my feelings into words. "It's just... Mom brought April's dress and jewelry, and I find it hard to accept them."

A contemplative pause followed on Sebastian's end of the line. Then, he spoke with a resolute yet comforting tone, "You don't have to, Bee. Give me a moment; I'll figure something out. This is your special day, and it should be everything you've ever dreamed of."

With those words of assurance, he ended the call, leaving me both curious and touched by his determination to make this day uniquely mine. Despite the tangled circumstances that brought us here, his unwavering support gave me a glimmer of hope.

The clamor in the hallway grew louder as a team of designers hurried in, carrying a breathtaking assortment of wedding dresses. My mom arrived, curiosity mixed with irritation etched across her face.

"What's happening here?" she demanded, her eyes narrowing in frustration.

Summoning my courage, I explained, "Seb sent them so that I could choose my own wedding dress. I couldn't bear the thought of wearing April's."

My mom's expression hardened as she probed further, "And who informed Sebastian about this?"

With a heavy sigh, I admitted, "I did."

Disapproval radiated from her as she scolded me, "It's not polite to trouble him when you already have a perfectly suitable dress."

Suddenly, the room was graced by Sebastian's commanding presence as he entered, his voice resolute and firm. "Actually, she didn't choose that dress. It was April's dress, and my soon-to-be wife deserves nothing less than what she desires," he stated emphatically. Taking a seat on the couch, he remained composed, seemingly unaffected by the building tension between my mother and me.

My mom turned to Sebastian, her demeanor softening as she grasped the extent of his involvement in this surprising development. "Sebastian, dear, please..."

Sebastian halted her words with a raised hand. "Bee, feel free to select any dress you desire. This day is about you," he declared, his voice carrying an unwavering sense of resolution. He leaned back on the couch, an air of determination about him as if daring anyone to contest his decision.

A surge of gratitude welled up inside me for Sebastian's unwavering support. The weight of tradition and obligation seemed to dissipate, replaced by a growing sense of anticipation for the future that lay ahead.

I scanned the array of wedding dresses before me, each one more elaborate than the last. Sequins, lace, and layers of tulle adorned most of them, but none of them felt right. My heart longed for something simpler, something that resonated with who I was.

And then, I saw it—a dress that spoke to me in its elegant simplicity. It was a vision of grace, with a fitted bodice that gently accentuated my figure before cascading into a flowing A-line skirt. The fabric was a soft, pristine satin, and it shimmered delicately in the soft lighting of the room. 

The dress had a subtle V-neckline, and the back dipped into a gentle scoop, revealing just enough without being overly revealing. Its charm lay in its understated beauty, devoid of excessive embellishments or frills. Instead, it relied on the purity of its design to make a statement.

As I slipped into the dress, I couldn't help but feel a sense of rightness wash over me. It was as if this gown had been waiting for me, tailor-made for the quiet, introspective side of my personality. In its simplicity, I found a quiet confidence, a reflection of the friendship that Sebastian and I shared—that didn't need grand gestures or elaborate displays.

I turned to face the mirror, and as I gazed upon my reflection, I knew that I had made the right choice. This dress was more than just fabric and stitches; it was a symbol of the journey Sebastian and I were embarking upon—a journey of sacrifice, and the unspoken understanding between us.

Stepping out of the dressing room, I handed my chosen dress to the attendant for packing. I noticed a look of confusion in Sebastian's eyes.

"What's wrong?" I inquired, puzzled by his expression.

"I thought you were going to show me the dress you were selecting," he said, his tone filled with curiosity.

I offered a small smile and explained, "Well, I know this isn't the wedding we all had in mind, but it's happening nonetheless. I want to honor some of the traditions and one of them is that the groom can't see the bride's wedding dress before the wedding."

Understanding dawned in Sebastian's eyes, and he nodded with a warm smile. "Of course, I respect that.”

"I have something I'd like to give you," he said, extending his hand for me to take. Together, we left the room and made our way to the garden area where we had spent countless hours together since our childhood.