“I will see you later, I am sure. You look great, Charley.”
I lower my eyes as she opens the door and when she is gone, leaving me alone once more, I inhale deeply and head towardmy dress, readying myself for what lies ahead. After dropping my robe from my body, I fix my garter belt to my body and clip my black stockings to it. Once my underwear is secure, I take the elegant black dress off the hanger and slide it up my body.
After zipping the back, I adjust the long sleeves to rest halfway down my upper arms. The neckline dips down my chest into a flattering V, subtly highlighting the curve of my breasts and some of my stomach. The dress cascades from the waist in layers of thick fabric, creating a graceful silhouette.
As I turn, the material flows behind me, forming a short train, while the backless design adds a touch of allure. Wrapping the silk ribbon around my waist, I pull tight to pinch my waist and accentuate my curves. I tie it into a long bow, securing it at the back of the dress, adding to the final addition.
Admiring myself in the mirror, I feel like a gothic princess in this attire. It is not my usual style, but if I were to choose an elegant dress, this would undoubtedly be it; it is simply stunning. With one last glance at my reflection, I nod in satisfaction, noting the subtle makeup enhancing my features.
I move to the dressing table, my dress trailing behind me, and I slide a couple of silver diamond rings onto my fingers, along with a pair of dangling diamond earrings, to complete my look. I spray myself with my favorite perfume before grabbing my small, black clutch bag and phone.
I gaze down at the screen when it comes to life. Her big brown eyes twinkling and smiling back at me, which makes my heart warm instantly. I grin ever so slightly before tucking my phone into my bag before finally leaving the hotel room, my confidence at its all-time high.
After a long drive in the New York City traffic, my chauffeur finally gets me to a venue just on the outskirts of the city. As soon as he stops the car, I gather my bag and open the door beside me, noticing that it is not too busy.
I am here early, hoping I get a chance to see Lucy before her big day. I slide on a pair of black sunglasses to shield my eyes from the sun's glare as I step out of the car to a beautiful summer's day, with clear blue skies overhead. The perfect day for a wedding if you ask me. As I ascend the short steps to the main doors, I gather a handful of my dress, lifting it gracefully with each step.
The small number of people who are here already look my way, their eyes lingering on me, but I pay them no attention as I enter the building, my chin raised with confidence. As I walk in, people rush around, the beautiful interior donning white and black roses. I stride over to the main desk where a woman sits, on the phone and when she notices me, she holds her hand over the speaker.
“Hey, how can I help you?”
“Is the bride here yet?”
She gives a small nod to confirm before she eyes me suspiciously.
“Are you a relative?”
“Yes, I am. I have just arrived in the city a little early.”
“Okay, she is in the penthouse on the top floor. Room 104.”
I give a small nod in thanks before heading for the elevator to my right.
When I reach the top floor, I scan the doors while passing them until I spot Room 104 at the far end. I halt outside of it, lifting my hand to knock, but I pause and draw a deep breath. Instead of knocking, after a moment, I push the handle down, inviting myself in. As I enter, I gaze around the endless, bright-lit space, noticing its completely quiet. I gently close the door behind me, wondering if I am in the right room, when suddenly she rounds the corner to my right.
As soon as she lays eyes on me, she freezes in her tracks, dressed in nothing but white lingerie, her mouth falling open in surprise. A rush of emotions floods through me—feelings I have been trying to suppress all fucking morning. She looks stunning. Her long blonde hair cascades down her front in tight curls, adorned with white flowers and diamonds.
“Charley?”
I swallow down the sob that is threatening to build in my throat as she rushes toward me, her eyes wide. When she is close enough, we embrace with the tightest hug, and I push back the tears that want to spill. When we break away, she keeps her hands on my shoulders, her eyes still expanded.
“I didn’t know if you were coming!”
I smile a little and raise my eyebrow.
“Well. Surprise!”
She laughs before drawing me into another tight hold and once the sweet moment between us is done, she leads me over to her huge, wide bed and we take a seat on the end, facing each other.
“I’ve tried to contact you for months, Char.”
My eyes soften, guilt creeping in because I don’t know how much she knows.
“I’m sorry. I had to get away from here.”
She nods in understanding before she reaches up, delicately sweeping the strand of curly hair away from my eye.
“I wish you would have come to me and told me everything. You shouldn’t have gone through all that alone. I would have been there for you.”
