The Kidnapped Heiress

Chapter Nine

“This is it,” Brie declared as she stood in the third dress. “This is the one.”

All three dresses she tried had similar silhouettes. This one was strapless. The bodice was embroidered with a lacelike pattern and small beads. The skirt was light and breezy, adding to its comfort.

Victoria and Charlotte smiled and quickly gathered the finishing touches, including a long veil with similar beading and a light, lace pattern. They left her hair down and flowing as they pinned the veil in place. Then they slowly spun her around, so she could look at her reflection. Brie teared up.

She looked like a bride, a real bride. Brie had hoped to share this special day with her mother, even if her parents were divorced, but her mother wasn’t even taking her calls anymore. This was supposed to be her big day. Her wedding was meant to symbolize two families becoming one, but she had no family. This wasn’t how it was supposed to be.

“Hey, it’s okay,” Aria stepped forward, hugging her. She didn’t need to ask to know what was weighing on her friend’s mind. They had shared too many secrets for that. “We’re here. We’re your family. You will always have us.”

Monica and Eloise joined them and wrapped Brie in a group hug. Victoria and Charlotte watched them, wondering why the atmosphere suddenly seemed heavy. They had their own experiences of sharing secrets with trusted friends. This seemed to fall into the same category, so they remained silent and let friendship do its healing. After a few moments, Brie composed herself. Charlotte was ready with tissues.

“Thank you,” Brie whispered, giving all her friends appreciative smiles. That was right. She had made her own family, and they would never abandon her.

“Feeling better?” Aria asked.

“Yes,” Brie breathed deep. “But now all of you need to get dressed up. I want to see all of us together.”

“Tante Charlotte,” Aria looked at her aunts. “You can help with that, right?”

“Of course,” Charlotte chuckled. “Just tell me color, style and sizes.”

“Lavender,” Aria said, as that was Brie’s chosen color. “And I think the style should be like the first dress Brie tried on. Nice and simple, right?”

“Absolutely,” Monica readily agreed. “Brie is the star, and no one outshines her on her big day.”

“That’s right,” Eloise nodded. “We’re the backup singers!”

Aria had to fight a grimace at the musical analogy. That was one thing she didn’t want to discuss with anyone. Lyra had brought it up a couple of times, asking why she didn’t sing in the shower anymore. Luckily, only Caden knew about her application to the Met. She had no idea what her parents would have thought about the invitation to audition, let alone when she ultimately made an excuse and left without even trying.

The representative she spoke to seemed disappointed but accepted her excuse of a family emergency. It was the first excuse she came up with that wouldn’t be needlessly challenged. Over the phone, at least, they seemed understanding and said they would welcome Aria any time once her personal issues were sorted. Her last conversation with Brie was still fresh in her mind.

She could conceivably move to New York and take the Met’s offer. If the invitation was no longer good, she could always find something else. But that was contingent on her moving as previously planned.

As a DaLair she wouldn’t be able to avoid New York high society. She would be expected to attend at least some events. But Theo was there. She would see him and the girls he always had on his arm. It was unavoidable.

It was easier to pretend when there was an ocean between them. Brie was right, she was using the distance as a crutch. But could she really face him and his girlfriend without it? Even if she started dating someone new, she knew it would never be serious. Just like how it was with Jake now.

“Aria? Aria, are you coming?” Monica asked when Aria remained rooted to her spot, lost in thought.

“…Yes! Sorry. I’m coming.”

They gave her questioning looks, and she tried to shake away her lingering doubts. This wasn’t the time or place to be analyzing her past. This day was about her friends.

Shoving away her concerns, Aria joined her friends as her aunt led them to another section boasting bridesmaid dresses. The shop was really two boutiques in one, allowing both Victoria and Charlotte to showcase their talents. It didn’t take long for them to find the dresses they liked the best.

Monica settled on a high-neck gown while Eloise went with a shorter dress and one that didn’t have shoulder straps at all. Aria decided on a longer gown, like Monica, with thin straps. All had a satin finish with little embellishments.

They had a little fun styling their hair for different looks. Naturally, Aria’s hair was largely untamable. She planned to have it braided the day of the ceremony, which was the only sure way to keep it contained. For now, she settled with a large clip as they returned to Brie.

They stood in front of the mirrors, gazing at their little group with nostalgic smiles. Brie leaned her head on Aria’s, taking it all in. This felt good. This was the feeling she hoped for. This was the feeling of family and support she always wanted.

“Smile!” Charlotte said, snapping photos of them together. “You all look like sisters!”

Aria smiled. She was a redhead and Brie a brunette. Eloise was African and Monica was blonde. They really couldn’t look any more different. However, they certainly did feel like sisters.

They had been through so much with each other: from their first periods to boyfriends, heartache to happiness. It had come full circle and now their first wedding. They had all vowed to be there for each other as witnesses.

“How are you feeling?” Aria asked as they stared at their reflections.

“Better. Good. This is exactly how I pictured it.”

“And it’s going to get better,” Aria declared. “Let’s eat and then…spa!”

“Yes!” Monica sighed. “I’m starved!”

It didn’t take long for Victoria and Charlotte to measure them and make notes of any adjustments and alterations that would be necessary. Booking the appointment for the next fitting was done smoothly and without hassle from the clerk, who had given them trouble in the beginning.

Aria could feel her aunts’ searching gazes, but thankfully they wouldn’t confront her in front of her friends. Eventually, she would have to answer their questions, but for now she could avoid it. Sooner or later, she would have to face her family as well.