Marriage with His Uncle!

Coincidence

The evening after the dinner, Nash promised to take me back to the bridal shop to pick up my dress. Reluctant to go with him, I suggested, "You must be busy with work. I'll just take Kylie."

Nash readily agreed and left with Kylie. However, a work emergency called Kylie out of town the next morning, leaving me to retrieve the dress alone.

A wave of embarrassment washed over me as I entered the shop. The memory of my previous meltdown made it difficult to face the staff.

The manager, thankfully, remained professional. She must have dealt with countless bridezilla moments. "Your dress is packed and ready to go," she said, leading me to a seated area. "Please wait here while I bring it out."

As we walked, a particular gown caught my eye. I must have looked like a deer in headlights because the manager followed my gaze and visibly paled. Understandably, the thought of me changing my mind just days before the wedding filled her with dread.

"Could I try that one on?" I asked. The poor woman looked like she was about to cry. "Of course," she mumbled, leading me towards the dress.

"Wait here, please. I'll get your size," she said, practically sprinting away. Left alone with the gown, I drank in every detail.

The dress hugged the mannequin closely through the bodice and hips, flaring out dramatically at the knees. If worn, the dress would create a stunning hourglass shape. The dress was off-shoulder with a subtle sweetheart neckline. What really caught my attention was the color of the dress. Unlike traditional wedding dresses, this one was shimmering pale blue, giving it a celestial look. The entire dress was covered in intricate, sparkling embellishments. The overall dress was completed with a sheer overlay that extends from the back of the dress, creating a flowing train.

The dress was undeniably glamorous and would make a statement piece.

I was so engrossed in appreciating the dress that I didn't hear a person walking behind my back, and stopping just a few inches away until he spoke up, “Are you changing your wedding dress?”

Startled, I turned around, almost bumping into him.

“I'm just looking at it,” I answered his question.

“Get that dress, it will look good on you,” he stated.

“Oh, no. I really was just admiring the dress. Besides, I already have my wedding dress so getting this one is unnecessary,” I said, suddenly reminded of how close the distance between us was. My nose was almost bumping into his chest, our bodies too close to each other.

His smell wafted into my nose, rendering me senseless. The fresh smell of mint was clinging to him, mixed with his woodsy, musky cologne. He smelled nice, calming even and that startled me.

Blush crept up my neck and I stepped back. “I didn't realize I was standing so close.” I apologized to him even though it was he who had stepped too close to my comfort zone.

“I will get you that dress,” He ignored my apology and said, his eyes darting towards the dress. His eyes scanned the dress and then he scanned me from top to bottom, his eyes staying a tad bit longer on my chest.

How can he stare at me that way knowing I'm about to become his niece-in-law? I thought to myself, frowning in discomfort.

“The dress would look magnificent on you,” after scanning me up and down, he concluded.

“Thank you, Uncle, but truly, I don't need it,” I insisted that he listen to me, but ignoring my pleas, he said —

“I'm getting you that dress. Besides, we don't know the future. Who knows, you might need that dress,” he said in a tone of finality.

The manager, who went away to bring me the dress in my size to let me try it, came back at the moment with two attendants to help me into the gown.

“Go and try it on. I just know you will look beautiful,” Luther Grey, Nash’s Uncle, nudged me with his piercing gaze.

“I will try it,” I said and took the attendants into the trial room. I took off my clothes, revealing my lingerie-clad body to the attendants who helped me into the gown.

“This dress suits you well,” one of the two attendants commented with a smile. The other attendant agreed with the first one.

“Thank you,” I said softly and turned to face the mirror. I gasped at the person staring at me through the mirror. The gown looked good on me, flattering my curves in the best way possible.

The attendants left me alone, but right when attendants left, Uncle Luther stepped inside. I heard his breath hitch as he met my eyes through the mirror.

His eyes trailed downwards, darkening as they looked at my cleavage. A faint growl rumbled from his chest, but he composed himself immediately, taking a deep breath as his eyes scanned the rest of me.

“You look stunning,” his voice was deeper and raspier than before. “A simple necklace would go perfectly with it.”

He took out a necklace from the inner pocket of his jacket. My eyebrows shot up in astonishment. What on earth is a necklace doing in there? Not giving me the time to think it through, he moved behind me and fastened the necklace around my neck.

I looked at the necklace through the mirror and gasped. It was beautiful!

The necklace was a vintage-style festoon necklace featuring a bib-like design with cascading drapes of pearls, clear gemstones, and diamonds. The necklace exhibited intricate detailing and symmetry, with dangling elements that add movement and sparkle, creating an overall impression of elegance and luxury reminiscent of antique jewelry.

All in all, the necklace was clearly a relic and would cost millions.

“The necklace is splendid,” I complimented the necklace and started unfastening the necklace, but Luthur caught my hand.

“Leave it on. It compliments the gown,” he said.

“I can't take this. This is too precious,” I said, trying to take the necklace off once again.

“Consider it a wedding gift,” Luthur stopped me from taking off the necklace.

“But you already gave me the dress. I can't possibly be shameless enough to take the necklace as well knowing it costs millions,” I stood my ground, but one piercing gaze from him and I backed down. “I will keep the necklace,” I said like a meek mouse.

I will return the necklace in the future, I thought to myself. I thought the man would immediately leave after seeing me in the dress, but when I came out after changing into my clothes, he was waiting for me outside.

Confusion clouded me, but I maintained my composure and asked, “What are you doing here?”

There was no need for him to be in a wedding shop… unless he was secretly getting married. My thought made me glance around us, curious to see if he indeed came with someone.

“I came here to get a suit for your wedding,” Uncle Luthur’s voice snapped me back into reality and I stopped looking around. Even if he was secretly getting married, it was none of my business. I shouldn't be prying into his private life, though it made me curious why he suddenly decided to marry after so many years after his divorce. He was adamant about never marrying again.

“But this is a wedding shop,” I said, trying my best to not sound like I was prying into his life.

“Indeed, but they sell the best suits in the town. Besides, who says only grooms can get the suits from the wedding shop?” He mused as if he was teasing me. My thoughts left me speechless. How can he, the coldest person to ever exist, joke? I might be thinking too much or I have just lost my mind.

“You are right. You can get the suit from here even if you are not a groom,” I nodded in agreement. “Well then, I will leave now.”

Before I could make my escape, Uncle Luther said, “Have you had lunch yet?”

I paused dead in my tracks. I cried inside as I shook my head. I don't know what compelled me to nod honestly. I should have lied and escaped, but before I could process his words, my body moved on its own.

“Good. I'm heading out for lunch; come and eat with me,” he said in a commanding tone and walked away while I trailed behind him like a lost puppy.

~•~