Chapter 4 Brides Day Out

Bride's Day Out

Six Months Earlier

Valentina's P.O.V

Four Days To The Wedding

"This has to be a nightmare". Valentina murmured, her eyes fixed on a delicate silver lace wedding dress fitted on the mannequin.

"Miss Valentina, I assure you, this is a one-of-a-kind dress that I designed specially for....".

"BE QUIET". Valentina rudely interrupted, making Sophia take a step back.

As one of the most in-demand designers in the industry. Sophia La Vie's creations were worn by A-list celebrities, fashionistas and stylish women in the business world. Her runway shows were always a highlight of the fashion calendar.

So, It wasn't much of a surprise when the corporate queenpin herself, Valentina Rodriguez had Sophia La Vie on speed dial for her show-stopping wedding dress.

"Four days Sophia." Valentina fumed, angrily pacing back and forth "I'll be getting married in four days, do you really expect me to walk down the aisle wearing this...thing?".

Sophia forced a smile, gesturing towards the door "My office is right next door. Perhaps we could continue this conversation in private?".

The Main floor of Casa Vida Boutique was abuzz with activities, models showcasing the latest designs on the catwalk while bride-to-be and their entourage walked around, trying to find their perfect gown. But all the activities seemed to come to a stop as all eyes focused on the unfolding drama.

"Why should I go anywhere with you, huh?. Valentina demanded, folding her arms "You're the one who designed this gown, not me. And you're ashamed of it? How can you expect me to wear this on my wedding day?"

Sophia looked away, her eyes avoiding the curious glances of her employee and the other clients.

"I specifically told you what I wanted". Valentina continued her frustration boiling over "You were supposed to follow my order, not do your own thing. Which by the way, turned out to be a total disaster".

"But Ma'am, I only created this design because I thought..."

"You thought?". Valentina interrupted again "I hired you to do a job, not think for yourself".

"I understand that clearly, but you have to trust me. This design is a work of art". Sophia urged. "If you'd only give it a chance, I am sure you'd love it".

"You're still talking, huh? Unbelievable." Valentina scoffed, her hands closed around her bag as she pulled her phone from her Givenchy Antigona Bag. "Let's see how you survive in this industry after I am done with you".

"Madam please, I beg you, don't do this". Sophia pleaded desperately, knowing full well that with just one call from Valentina Rodriguez, her career would be done and over with, in the blink of an eye.

Time seemed to freeze as Valentina's eyes remained glued to her screen. Sophia's employees watched in anxious breath. Their eyes moved quickly between their boss and Valentina. Everyone else felt like they were waiting for a verdict.

"What's going on here? I mean did someone finally realize that these clothes are so last session?"

All eyes shifted to stunning Helen Emberwood, a Glamour Gazette Fashion House Icon and Valentina's best friend.

"You always did know how to make an entrance, Helen, you still do". Valentina said with a smirk.

"If not me, then who?" Helen leaned in, her cheek brushing against Valentina's "But seriously, what's going on? You look like

you're about to fall apart".

"Of course I am upset, Helen". Valentina fumed "Look what they've done to my dress, it's ruined".

Helen's eyes moved from Valentina's angry face to the stunning silver lace wedding dress, perfectly embroidered with delicate patterns that seemed to shine like diamonds in the light.

"OMG". Helen's s eyes sparkled with admiration. "Is this the most breathtaking gown I've ever seen or what?".

"Wait? What?". Valentina asked in disbelief.

"Sophia La Vie, you've really out done yourself this time." Helen gushed, her fingers tracing the delicate embroidered lines on the dress

"I mean this is absolute perfection, a true masterpiece indeed".

"Hold on, are you being serious here? or are you just trying to avoid a scene?". Valentina asked.

"Of course I am being serious." Helen replied "I've attended many high-end parties and weddings and I've seen my fair share of stunning wedding dresses designed by the best from the industry. But I can confidently say that this gown surpasses them all".

Valentina raised a skeptical brow "You know, I still don't believe that this dress is as good as you say it is"

"Okay, then, if you don't believe me, you could at least try to believe in the power of, you know, social media, celebrity gossip.... Take, for example, the wedding of the elegant Larush that shook the whole city last year".

Valentina shifted uncomfortably "Seriously, Lisa Larush of all people?"

"Oh come on, V, it's already been a whole year since the incident happened, don't tell me you still haven't moved on from it yet?". Helen asked

"Lisa publicly humiliated and then uninvited me to her wedding. You think I'm just going to forget about that? Not a chance". Valentina stated.

"Let's not forget, your badmouthing almost ruined her big day. And you can't pretend otherwise". Helen pointed out.

"Oh please". Valentina scoffed, rolling her eyes "Lisa's got more skeletons in her closet than a graveyard, and I'm the one who got blamed for trying to expose a few of them?"

Helen's head slowly shook in defeat, knowing that trying to reason with Valentina was a lost cause.

"Anyway, Lisa's wedding was all over the news last year and it wasn't just the over- the- top ceremony that made the headlines. It was the jaw-dropping she wore that really got people talking".

"Your point?". Valentina asked, her patience running thin.

"My point is this gown... your gown is on a whole different level". Helen's face wore a persuasive smile "I'm willing to bet that

people won't stop talking about it for years to come".

"You really think so?". Valentina asked, her eyes narrowing slightly as she considered Helen's words.

"Of course I do, isn't that right, La Vie?". Helen asked, quickly raising an eyebrow at Sophia

"Yes, of course". Sophia hand gestured elegantly "I personally designed embroidery of the gown with 24-karat silver threads and selected the finest-rare hand picked silk for the flowing skirt. Making this gown a unique piece that no one would ever wear".

Valentina paused for a moment, taking a second look at the gown. The design wasn't really what she had in mind for her big day, but putting that thought aside, she couldn't deny that the new dress had a certain Je ne sais quoi she couldn't ignore.

"Alright then". Valentina finally broke the silence. "I'll think about it".

Sophia's heart skipped a beat as she struggled to contain her excitement. Even if Valentina didn't give a definite yes, she had managed to dodge a bullet and her reputation was saved... for now".

"If and only If, I choose to go with this design". Valentina shot her a stern look "I expect nothing but perfection in its delivery. No mistakes, no delays. I want it exactly as you've shown me and I want it on time".

"Rest assured". Sophia said with a smile"You won't be disappointed".

Outside, Valentina settled comfortably into the driver's seat, carefully buckling her seat belt before driving out of the boutique's parking lot and into the busy road, beside her, Helen touched up her lip color using the rearview to ensure her lip line was perfectly painted.

"Hey, V". She called, her lips pressed together "You still haven't told me where we're going yet".

"We're headed to Pearl Palace Mall." Valentina replied, her eyes steady on the road. "I'm counting on you to help me pick out something amazing for an anniversary party".

"Anniversary party". Helen repeated, her brow furrowed.

"Yeah". She said with a nod "I've got the Smiths anniversary party on my schedule for tomorrow".

"Smith? As in Brianna and Troy Smith?". Helen asked, her eyes widened in disbelief.

"The one and only". Valentina replied, her voice filled with sarcasm.

"I thought you didn't get along with the Smiths?". Helen asked, "What's the deal with attending their anniversary party?"

"Honestly, I'd rather be doing just about anything else". She said with a sigh "But the Smiths are business partners and friends with Williams, so I couldn't exactly say no, when he asked me to attend".

"I don't know how you're going to do this". Helen said, shaking her head "You can't even have a decent conversation with them. How are you going to make it through the whole night?"

"Oh come Helen". Valentina smirked, "I mean what could be so hard about putting on a fake face and pretending to get along with everyone?."

"Girl, don't say I didn't warn you". Helen warned "This Is going to blow up in your face, and I'm gonna say, I told you so".