"You really never seem to get it. Do you? You are so blind blind to it all." Lila said and left in a huff. Elliot's raised his face up in confusion as he sighed and walked back into the dining room. Slipping into his former seat. Clara held his arm and looked at him with a face of concern.
"Are you okay? You spent an awfully long time out there." Clara whispered. Elliot nodded affirmatively signifying that all is well.
"Are you sure? I mean we could leave if our parents are getting to you." She asked again. "Nah, it's fine, the dinner will not last long anyway and we do not want to draw attention to ourselves." Elliot whispered and planted a kiss on her cheeks.
"Awww, look at them being so affectionate with each other." Clara's mother said with a smile on her lips. "They really do make a great couple." Elliot's mother added. "They would not only be a great couple but a great legacy." Elliot's father added laughing. The couple offered a tight smile as they squeezed each others hands under the table. Lila stood up abruptly, pushing her chair back loudly as she stomped up to her room.
The door slamming loudly behind her. Everyone shared puzzled looks round the table. "Maybe she is probably tired for the night. Lila has never been great with people." Clara's mother explained.
Dessert with wine was served soon after and the dinner went on as normal.
***
Elliot and Clara stepped into the bridal store. Their eyes wandering around taking in the environment and the goods displayed. The door bell chimes behind them as Lila and their mothers as well as the rest of their bridal train entered too. The owner of the store ushered them into a private viewing room.
"Welcome to Celeste Couture Bridal. It is an honour to serve such great people today." The owner said while smiling. "Well my assistant would cater to whatever drink you need while we go over the outfits." She added "So, Miss Clara what theme do you have planned out for your wedding so we can show you our catalogue." The owner asked.
Clara looked awkwardly at Elliot. She had never really thought it through about what she wanted since she discovered the wedding was a sham. It would be wrong for her to waste her dream wedding ideas on something that would never work. "Umm well the theme for the wedding would be 'A night under the stars.'" Clara's mother walked in.
Clara smiled and nodded, "Yes." "Wonderful choice ma'am. Just hold on while I get the fabrics and colours I believe would fit that astounding idea." The owner said and she walked through to the back.
Although everyone was happy and chatters filled the room. Clara felt suffocated, to have her dream day being snatched from her and she could not even tell anyone.
Shortly after the owner walked through," Alright ma'am here are the fabric choices and colours I think would be the best." She started laying them all out on the table. "Oohhh this mustard yellow would be nice for the reception." One of the bridesmaids said picking up the fabric. "Yesss!!" The rest of the bridesmaids squealed in excitement. "So it is settled then, the mustard yellow for the reception."
The owner said setting aside the satin fabric. "How about for the wedding?" She asked them. "Umm, I think navy blue would be great." Another chimed up. The rest of the bridesmaids nodded as they squealed in excitement once again.
A voice interrupted them, "Let us not forget about the chief bridesmaid, who is of more importance thn the rest of you please." Lila said jokingly in a low voice. "Of course, Lila how could we ever forget you." The first bridesmaid said.
"What would you want ma'am?" The store owner said turning to face her. A sinister smile formed on her face, " You know I love my sister so much and it hurts me to see that she is getting married and leaving me." Lila said. "In fact our dream was always for us to get married together but life had other plans." She sniffled.
The store assistant offered her a tissue. She held the assistant's hand feigning gratefulness. "Since I can't get married yet, I would like to share in my dear sisters joy by wearing the exact same colours she wears at the wedding." She said in a sickly sweet voice. Everyone turned to look at Lila with shock on their face. Lila shrugged, "What?!" "I have already suffered a lot of misfortune in my life am I not allowed to share this one day of happiness with the person I love the most?!" She said sobbing.
Everyone turns to look at Clara, expecting a response. Clara nodded and said, "Lila is right she is my only sister and I would like for her to share this day with me." They all scrunched up their faces in confused as hell, but decided to respect Clara's decision.
Clara shook her head. Lila had always played games like this. Always competing with her when there was no competition. She never seemed to get it. She just let her have her way so she would not be whiny throughout this whole process. That would make it easier for Clara to bear. She didn't mind Lila stealing the spotlight as everything was fake to her.
The store owner nodded, "Okay, since that is all decided, and everyone is satisfied with everything. Andrea our head of design would take the bridal train into her work studio to reveal to you never before seen designs. These designs were supposed to grace the runway at the next states fashion week."
The family nodded impressed. "In order to honour The Sinclairs these designs would be made exclusively just for this wedding and no one else." She continued. They applauded her as they were ushered into a different room.
"Wait." Lila said turning around. "Isn't Clara coming?" "Yes she would but I want to discuss with her about the fabric for her dress, colors too." The store owner said. "With Elliot there too?" Lila asked. Elliot and Clara nodded looking at Lila in confusion.
"Oh Clara." Lila said "Don't you know it is bad luck for Elliot to know anything about your dress before your big day?"
"Oh dear, how did I miss this part, Clara, Lila is right. It has been the tradition. Your husband must not know anything about your dress before the actual day." Clara's mother says.