Chapter 4 Brides Day Out

Bride's Day Out

"This has to be a nightmare". Valentina murmured, her eyes fixed on a

gold sequined mermaid wedding dress fitted on the mannequin.

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

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

"Four days Sophia. I'll be getting married in four days, do you really expect me to walk down the aisle wearing that?". Valentina asked, her eyes flashed with irritation.

"Miss Valentina, could we possibly take this conversation somewhere more private. My office is just through the door".

Sophia's suggested.

The Main floor of Casa Vida Boutique was filled with rows of bridal gowns, and floral designs. Several brides-to-be were busy choosing their wedding attire, while consultants worked one on one with clients

giving them expert advice on the latest styles and designs. But the noise coming from the upper floor seemed to put everything to a halt.

"Why should I go anywhere with you, huh?. You're the designer here, and yet you expect me to ruin my big day with a dress even you are ashamed of".

Sophia looked away, her eyes avoiding the curious glances of her employee and the other bride-to-be.

"I specifically told you about the kind of dress I wanted for myself, but it's like you didn't even listen to a word I said". Valentina continued

"Miss Valentina, I created this design because I thought...."

"You thought?". Valentina interrupted again "I pay to follow orders not to think.

"I understand that clearly, but you have to trust me. This design is really a one-of-a-kind masterpiece, if you'd only give it a chance, I am sure you'd love it".

"So you're still trying to justify yourself, huh? Alright then, let's see if you'll ever be able to work in the industry ever again". Valentina threatened.

Sophia's face paled immediately when Valentina took out her phone from her Givenchy Antigona Bag.

"Madam Valentina please, I beg you, don't do this". Sophia pleaded, knowing full well that with just one call from Valentina, her career would be over.

Time seemed to freeze as Valentina's eyes remained glued to her screen. Sophia's employees watched in fear for their boss.

"What's all the drama about?. I mean did somebody finally realize that these clothes are so last session".

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

"You always manage to be the center of attention, don't you, Helen". Valentina said with a smirk.

"If not me, then who?" Helen whispered, embracing her tightly. "Did something happen here?. I mean you look really upset?".

"Of course I am upset, Helen. Look at what they've done to my dream gown, it's ruined".

Helen's eyes moved from Valentina's angry face to the elegant silver lace gown.

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

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

"Sophia de la Mancho, you've really outdone yourself this time." Helen said, admiring the delicate silver embroidery

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

"Hold on, are you being serious here or are you saying all this just to make me feel better". Valentina asked.

"Of course I am being serious. Look, I've attended a lot of high end weddings and have seen my fair share dresses made by the best designers in this city and I can confidently say 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, why 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 humiliated me and uninvited me to her wedding and you seriously expect me to forget that?, no way." Valentina stated firmly

"Let's be real, you also cannot deny the fact that your badmouthing almost ruined her big day".

"Oh please". Valentina said, folding her arms. "She's the one with a closet full of skeletons. I only helped her take a few of them out but that was still not enough reason for her to do what she did to me".

Helen slowly shook her head in defeat. "Anyway, Lisa's wedding was all over the news last year not just because of her over the top wedding, but also because of the extravagant satin ball gown she wore".

"Your point is?". Valentina asked, rolling her eyes

"My point is this gown....your gown is on a whole different level and I'm willing to bet that people would be talking about it for years to come".

"You really think so?". Valentina asked in a slightly gentler tone.

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

"Uhmm....yes, yes. I personally designed the embroidery of the gown with 24-karat gold threads and used rare hand picked silk to design the gown's mermaid curve. All this was done just for you". Sophia explained.

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 how fabulous the new design looked but she was too prideful to admit it.

"Alright then". Valentina finally broke the silence. "I guess I'll just have to make do with this one".

Sophia could hardly control the joy she was feeling inside. Valentina's final approval made her feel like she had just won the award for the best designer of the year.

"Thank you so much, Miss Valentina. I promise, you won't regret this".

"Prepare the gown for delivery, and make sure nothing goes wrong". Valentina instructed.

"Yes ma'am."

Helen settled comfortably into the back seat, buckling her seat belt as Valentina drove out of the boutique's parking lot and into the busy road.

"Hey, V, you still haven't told me where we're going yet". Helen asked, adding a retouch to lipstick.

"Well, we're headed to Pearl Palace Mall.

Valentina replied, her eyes fixed on the road ahead. "I really need your help in picking out a good anniversary gift".

"Anniversary". Helen repeated, her brow furrowed.

"Yeah, I'll be attending the Wedding anniversary of the Smith couple tomorrow night".

"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 couldn't stand those two".

Helen asked. "So then why would you be going to their party".

"Believe me, if I had a choice I'd rather spend my evening doing something better. But those two are business partners and friends of Williams. I couldn't just say, no, when he asked me to accompany him"

"Girl, I got a feeling this is gonna blow up in your face". Helen warned.

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

"You know what Val, sometimes I forget you can be such a handful". Helen sighed, turning her attention outside the window.