Chapter 5 Jacqueline's POV

Still in shock, I tried to steady my breathing. Seeing me struggle to calm down, Allison gently patted my shoulder in support.

"Are you okay?!" she asked for what felt like the hundredth time in one minute.

I exhaled shakily. "Look, take a seat there while I get you some water, you look like you've seen a ghost," she said, pointing at an empty chair in the reception area.

She guided me to the seat with a supportive arm around my back. "Are you fine?!" she repeated again.

I cleared my throat, choking on a sudden lump. "Ye...yes," I stammered, my voice cracking.

"Breathe in... breathe out. Inhale... exhale," Allison instructed, her hands moving in sync as she demonstrated.

"Thank you," I managed to mouth, before lifting the bottle of water to my lips and gulping down a third of it.

My heart pounded in my chest, my thoughts tangled in a haze of confusion. In that moment, I silently prayed for my dream to somehow come true-just once, to taste that 'dream come true.'

"Hello, welcome to Sophie's Bridals," the receptionist greeted us warmly as we approached her desk.

"Thank you," I replied softly.

"Girl, I love your peplum top," Allison complimented her, stretching out to touch the fabric.

With a big, welcoming smile, the receptionist responded, "Thank you so much!"

"Jacqueline McCall," I introduced myself.

She quickly checked her screen, her fingers moving swiftly over the keyboard. "Yes, ma'am, we have you on the list for today," she confirmed, smiling again.

"Please take a seat. You'll be attended to shortly," she added, gesturing toward the waiting area.

I guessed we had to wait; probably many soon-to-be brides didn't want to miss Sophie's magic touch for their 'best day ever.' Sophie was always fully booked. It was the first time in three months of fittings that I actually had to wait.

"So, we're not so lucky today?" Allison mumbled.

"I guess," I whispered, barely loud enough to hear, understanding exactly where her frustration came from.

"Where do you all find these men willing to get married?" Allison teased, trying to pull me out of my daze.

I let out a small chuckle. "When you're ready, you'll find yours."

"What makes you think I'm not ready?!"

"You..." I replied, an unintended smile sneaking across my lips.

Silence washed over us for a few seconds.

"Girl, are you okay?!" Allison asked again for what felt like the ten-thousandth time in thirty minutes.

"I'm okay," I answered coldly.

"You can go in now," the receptionist finally came to announce, her cheerful smile lighting up her face.

She really knew her job, welcoming yet professional, her gestures comforting without feeling forced.

"Hello."

"Welcome," a woman in her late thirties said, ushering us into the fitting space.

I absentmindedly ran my fingers over the gown, which sat gracefully on the mannequin like a poised queen.

The motion of my hand was softly interrupted by the delicate, meticulously placed beading that shimmered under the light, each tiny embellishment feeling like a gentle bump against my fingertips. The lace beneath felt soft and sumptuous, almost like a whisper against my skin, luxurious yet impossibly fragile.

The gown was simple yet elegant, a masterpiece that seemed to breathe life into my imagination. The satin fabric hugged my body gracefully, flowing down like a gentle waterfall, and shimmering delicately under the soft studio lights. Every inch of embroidery was carefully stitched, delicate floral patterns twining up the bodice and tracing along the sleeves like a secret garden blooming at dawn.

Tiny seed pearls and crystal beads were meticulously sewn into the embroidery, catching the light with every small movement, creating a soft, romantic sparkle that felt almost magical. It was as though every bead carried a silent blessing for the future.

The neckline was a tasteful sweetheart cut, showing just enough skin to feel feminine and alluring without being too revealing. The back dipped slightly, edged with fine lace that felt like a whisper against my skin. The skirt flared out gently from the waist, not too full, allowing me to move freely while still giving that classic bridal silhouette, a perfect balance between dreamy and practical.

As I stood there, staring at my reflection, it felt like I was looking at the best version of myself, radiant, soft, and strong all at once.

I thought the fit was perfect as it was, the bodice snug in all the right places, but the stylist insisted it should be taken in just a bit more to achieve that flawless, sculpted silhouette brides dream of.

In that moment, I finally understood why people called Sophie a 'life-giver to every bride's dream dress.' It wasn't just a gown; it was a living piece of art that made me feel like I had stepped straight out of a fairytale, a fairytale I had written and Sophie had brought to life stitch by stitch.

"I'll fit perfectly into it before the wedding date," I assured her.

She looked at me in surprise.

"Why?" I asked.

"Hmmm... It's just that I've never seen a bride-to-be grow bigger," she explained. "Usually, all the stress and preparations make them lose weight, not gain it, resulting in them slimming down."

A part of me silently wished the session would end soon. My thoughts were chaotic, torn between Derek and the 'dream man,' who didn't feel like just a dream anymore. The bike I saw earlier made it all feel so real.

She tried to push the thought away.

"Whoa!! This guy looks hot."

"Uh! Burn me, baby," Allison broke the silence, wiggling her way to where I stood, still staring into the mirror.

She shoved her phone in my face, showing me a photo of a muscular, handsome man. "He's hot. I think you need a little fun, something wild. Break out of your shell before you finally get trapped in marriage."

I chuckled, understanding her perfectly.

She went on, "I read on someone's page that there once was a bride whose to-do list before marriage included sleeping with five strangers on her wedding eve."

My eyes widened in shock. I could never have imagined such a thing. Ew.

"It's true! People do crazy things for fun," Sophie chimed in.

"Even you?!" I turned to Sophie, shocked.

Back to Allison, "Well, I think it's cool. After all, you're still single, not legally tied down to anyone," she winked.

"No, no, no! Don't give me that look," I said, swinging my finger at her.

"What?! Did I even say anything?!" she exclaimed.

"I know that look, and whatever you're about to say, swallow it," I shot back.

"Okay," she said, lifting her hands in surrender.

The fitting session finally ended. I picked up my phone, still holding on to the faint hope of a message from Derek. Nothing.

While we sat in the car, I kept trying to make sense of everything, Derek, his distant behavior. Deep down, I knew it wasn't sudden; it had always been there. It was just getting worse.

I kept glancing at my phone.

Allison cleared her throat, ready to break the heavy silence that had started to consume us during the drive.

"Do you even have a bucket list of things to do before you get married?" she asked.

I knew she wouldn't give up easily.

...

I gasped as I forced my eyes open. It was morning. My eyes ached as I looked around the room in confusion, searching for Derek.

"Derek? Derek?" I called out.

I slipped out of bed and knocked on the bathroom door. "Derek?"

No answer.

Still calling his name, I walked into the living room. Empty. Then the study. Still no sign. I noticed his briefcase was gone.

Huh!!

In the early hours on a Monday. Where could he have gone so early? We were supposed to go to work together today.

I scrolled through my phone and found a voice note from him:

"Jac, I had to head out early. Didn't want to disturb your beauty sleep. I had an emergency to handle before I clock in at work. Calvin will pick you up. See you at work. Bye."

My grip tightened around my phone as I listened.

"Okay," I typed back, and hit send.

Argh!! I raked my fingers through my hair, my scalp prickling with frustration.