Chapter 61

(Snowe's POV)

I keep dreading the day when the woman Zai mentioned returns. In the meantime, I decided to just focus on my album's release and preparations for the wedding. Zai and I visited a cake designer together I wanted the cake flavor to be strawberry with Vanilla icing and Zai conceded, and I wanted the cake to be decorated with edible flowers resembling geraniums (because of the flowers he gave me on the official proposal day) and figures that looked as much like Zai and I as possible. We gave the baker the date that we wanted to pick up the cake, but at this point, I'm worried the wedding might be postponed.

The next stop was the bridal shop and get my measurements taken. Lisa met and brought along two of her friends so they could give me their opinions as well.

"I'll see you when you're done here..." Zai mumbled, holding both my hands and seeming hesitant to leave.

"I can't wait," I replied, we've gotten to spend more time together lately and I have to admit that was refreshing. I don't believe him seeing the dress I choose is bad luck but I would love to save his stunned stares for when I'm actually walking down the aisle. I even watched a lot of romance movies in preparation for this, I want the moment our eyes meet to be perfect and for everyone in the room to feel our love. Zai hugged my waist and kissed me, sucking my tongue, and locking our lips. It wasn't until one of Lisa's friends cleared her throat that I remembered we weren't alone and pulled away. "Zai... goodness..." I mumbled out of embarrassment. He put his credit card into my hand, backed away, and then waved to the others. 

"I'm leaving, take care of my wife till I get back." Then he stuffed his hands into his pockets and stomped off. 

"Sorry about that..." I said once he was out of earshot.

"It's fine, I understand... believe me. This is Angela, my agent, and Freya, she's an old friend." Lisa stated calmly.

"Hey there," Freya said with a wave,

"That's your boyfriend's brother right?" Angela whispered to Lisa. Lisa got flustered in response,

"Yeah..." I guess she must have briefed them both before coming here.

"Well let's go inside before I'm late for my appointment." I declared, entering the bridal shop first. After I introduced myself, the staff rallied together to gain my favor and showed me all the priciest dresses. I had to take over looking over the options on my own. It was amazing, some were even embroidered with real gemstones. I ended up choosing one that came separated with a high neck halter top embellished with pink, translucent, jewels over the bust and white lace from my cleavage upward. The skirt was long, high-waisted, with a split up to my hip. It was mainly white but the hem of the skirt was pink and faded into white. There were even shoes with the same jewels as my top. The veil that came with it was made with the same floral pattern lace and was about 10 feet long.

"I love that on you," Angela commented,

"Yeah! And it looks easy to take off!" Lisa added excitedly, all eyes turned to her, and after realizing what she said her face turned red and she said, "I meant because you'll want to change into your other outfit for the reception!" Everyone laughed making her blushing worse... Knowing Zai I might miss my own reception... especially if he likes this dress as much as I think he will.

"Thank you," I replied, a laugh still in my voice.

"What are we doing after this?" Angela asked suddenly,

"I don't have any other plans," Freya announced first,

"I'm... going home," I answered... most likely to get ravished by my husband. "Otherwise, nothing."

"Um... Valin is helping his brother with something important today so I'm free too." Lisa stated. She sounded a bit lonely when she said this but Angela slapped her shoulder and chuckled,

"You just want to brag about your boyfriend. Are you going on dates every day or something? Why even bring him up?" To me, she seems a bit bitter but I could be imagining things, I'm not used to socializing, especially with other women. Also, Valin must be helping RJ... I wonder what that's about.

"You're right, I'm sorry," Lisa mumbled out. Everyone wanted to go out to eat since we were downtown and near a lot of restaurant options so I called Zai,

"Are you done already?" He asked, I could hear his excitement through the phone.

"Yeah! They took my measurements and said to come back in 3 weeks...um..." I paused so Zai sighed and said,

"What else?" I cleared my throat before continuing,

"The girls want to hang out longer..." He groaned, "It's fine if you don't want me to... I'll come home."

"Snowe... I want you to have fun with your friends... I just... got so excited hearing your voice that I'm a bit disappointed I won't be seeing you yet." That's a different kind of excitement than what I was envisioning... but I did expect as much when I got home.

"It'll be my first time hanging out with just girls... I want to do this, I've never really had close friends before." I admitted, "Valin doesn't exactly count." Especially since I'm very aware that my feelings for him aren't always completely platonic. It's rare but sometimes I'm moved by his actions in a way I shouldn't be, like when he admitted to thinking about me late at night during specific activities. I was disgusted with myself because of how I was feeling. That was months ago now, but I can't seem to forget. I am happy about him and Lisa being together though, they complement each other well.

"Yeah, I get it. Text me the place you end up going to and I'll pick you up when you call me... I love you."

"I love you too... Um... I'm looking forward to our wedding day." I added in a low voice then he groaned again,

"...Are you secretly a sadist?" His question made me laugh, then we said our goodbyes and I left the shop to join Lisa in her car with the others.

"Oh yeah I've been meaning to ask you, is Valin interested in a career in the music industry?" Angela asked, from the back since Lisa saved the passenger seat for me.

"I don't think so, he doesn't like a lot of attention." She answered. Just imagining him getting famous, and then cursing out half his fans for trying to touch him or wanting an autograph amused me. He'd probably cancel a concert at the last minute if one person pissed him off. I couldn't stop grinning at the idea.

"But he's so talented!" Angela argued. "I recorded his second song, audio only, and shared it with a few of my friends and some were very interested in sponsoring him!" The car swerved almost hitting one in the other lane, we all screamed then Lisa got the vehicle back under control and said,

"I'm sorry!... If he wanted to do that, he already had opportunities to do so, after all his brother is co-owner of Ziren Studios." .. wait that's the company I'm signed on with... Zai is the co-owner?! I was still reeling from shock as Lisa continued, "Plus I don't think I can date a celebrity, I'd miss him too much once he got super famous... and I'd be jealous of all the other women trying to put their hands on him."

"Oh so if he does decide to go into music you'll just dump him?" Angela noted. The car got dead silent when Freya spoke up and said,

"Um I know we just met but... would you be alright with me attending your wedding? I want to see your husband's face when he sees the gown you chose!" Wow... Freya is the angel here, not Angela. I'm so glad she changed the subject,

"Of course you can! I was thinking of having a bachelorette party of sorts and wanted at least one more person to attend!" Freya squealed with joy then Angela said,

"Would you mind if I came too?" I wanted to say no, but my social awkwardness wouldn't allow me to.

"You can. Both of you give me your contact info and I'll send you the details once I pick a place." I handed them my phone and they gave it back after sending me their numbers. We then discussed places we should go; the spa, nail salon, and a new club that opened recently.

"Is there going to be a stripper?" Freya asked. It was clear from her tone that she was hoping my answer was no,

"My husband would go crazy if I let another man rub up against me and take off his clothes the day before our wedding," I answered with a laugh,

"Isn't that a bit controlling?" Angela interjected so I replied,

"I also wouldn't like it, I'm aware of his boundaries and I respect them. And I would feel so awkward." She huffed, around that time we parked at the steakhouse Lisa wanted to go to. Once we were out of the car Angela ran to Lisa's side and hugged her as we all entered the restaurant together. Lisa smiled softly when they hugged so it was clear they're close, I am probably just overthinking.