Chapter 57 CHAPTER 57

Chapter 57 CHAPTER 57
I twisted the shower knob and hot water drummed against my shoulders, pounding steady and strong. 

Steam curled thick around me, filling my nose with the sharp citrus bite of the soap. 

I scrubbed until my skin stung, nails scraping over my arms, thighs, and scalp, rinsing away every trace of yesterday’s city grit and sweat. 

The water beat against my face, ears, and neck. I finally shut it off, the sudden quiet left only the slow drip from the showerhead and the slap of my wet feet on the cool tile.

I dried quickly, then pulled on my dark pants and jacket. I ran my fingers through my wet hair, leaving it loose, and walked barefoot down the hallway. 

The floorboards felt smooth under my soles, it’s amazing how free I feel in this man’s house. It’s like we are already married.

Alex sat at the desk in his study, laptop screen casting a blue glow across his face. 

His fingers clicked steadily over the keys. I stopped in the doorway, one hand resting on the frame. “Where did you put the clothes I wore on our date?”

He looked up, the lines around his eyes softening. “They are in the closet. Top shelf, left side.”

I nodded and continued down the hall. The closet door slid open with a soft hiss. 

There hung my dress that I had worn when he proposed, folded neatly on a hanger. My shoulders loosened. I reached for them then my hand froze.

A pink dress occupied the next hanger. Size 12 tag facing out, same size as me. The fabric caught the closet light with a soft shimmer, delicate looking and flowing. 

My pulse thudded thick in my throat. I stared, breath shallow, fingers hovering without touching. 

When I finally brushed the tag, the plastic edge pressed cold into my thumb.

The closet air felt suddenly warmer against my face.

I pulled in a slow breath through my nose and caught the faint trace of laundry detergent mixed with something floral that clung to the pink fabric. 

He had mentioned a sister. Last time I left this place I had to wear her clothes, conviently she visits often and leaves her clothes behind everytime she leaves.

The soft gray sweater that smelled faintly of lavender, the jeans that fit too well in my body. This would make sense too, we are the same size.

I closed my eyes, felt my shoulders drop, and let the air leave my lungs in a steady.

My fingers stopped trembling. I grabbed my own outfit, shut the door with a quiet click, and carried the dress back to the bedroom. 

Having packed my dress in my small bag, I returned to the study. Alex had closed the laptop. “Ready?” he asked.

I crossed my arms, jacket sleeves pulling tight over my elbows. “I am but I really don’t want to go home.”

He leaned back in the chair, studying me. “Then why are you leaving? I love having you around.” See? there’s no way he had another woman over, he loves me.

After a short pause from him. “What’s wrong though, is everything okay at home?”

I pressed my lips together contemplating if I should burden him with my family secrets, then answered. 

“My mother, everything she told me was a lie. But I don’t want to be here alone when you’re gone, I don’t want to be alone. So let’s go.”

He stood, the chair wheels screeched on the hardwood. 

He crossed the room until the warm wood-and-clean scent of his aftershave reached me. 

“You do know that when we’re married, and I am at work, you’ll be here alone, right?” He asked with a mischief look, that’s something I will never do Alex. Be a housewive? I will pass.

The corner of my mouth lifted. A short laugh slipped out of me. His own chuckle followed, low and deep, filling the space between us until a sharp knock echoed from the front door as he leaned for a kiss.

He lifted a brow and walked ahead. I followed, bare feet silent on the floor.

He opened the door. His mother stood on the step, thick folder in her arms, smile bright under her perfectly set hair. 

Her expensive perfume drifted in with the cooler outside air, sweet and heavy.

“Darlings,” she said, stepping inside without waiting. “I brought plans, I am so glad to have found the two of you together. It’s beautiful to see that you are getting along.”

We moved to the living room. I sat on the edge of the couch, back straight, hands resting on my thighs. I have never been in a room with her alone before, I just hope she’s nice.

Alex took the armchair beside me. His mother claimed the center of the loveseat and opened the folder. 

Papers rustled loudly as she spread out fabric swatches, printed venue photos, and color palettes in soft pastels and creams.

“I’m thinking garden theme,” she began, voice lilting with excitement. “Whites and blush pinks, lots of roses cascading from arches, maybe a string quartet near the fountain. Picture the tables with lace runners and crystal glassware catching the afternoon light.”

I looked over the images. Pale flowers, delicate arches, rows of chairs tied with satin bows. 

The paper felt too smooth under my fingertips when I touched one, instantly annoying me. 

I drew my hand back. The scent of her perfume grew stronger as she leaned forward. “I’d like to decide after the gifting ceremony,” I said. “I’ll be wearing red for that.”

“Of course, red is the theme for that but you need to make up your mind. Your wedding is in less than a month.” Her smile stayed fixed, but her fingers paused on the edge of the folder. 

“We really should lock this in now, Ayla. Venues need to be booked soon, and the florist needs clear instruction. The blush tones would complement everything so beautifully.”

My pulse beat steady in my ears. I kept my hands still in my lap, fingers pressing lightly into my pants. “Not now perhaps after the ceremony. I will have to consult with my mother first.”

“Which one?” I chuckled coldly in shock turning to look at Alex, who sighed looking at his mother with a disappointed look. “Seriously?”

“I just want to know so I can talk to her myself.” She said innocently. “You don’t have to.” I answered shortly.

Silence stretched for a long second and Alex’s mother exhaled through her nose, then shuffled the papers with a snap. 

“Very well. Atleast have a look at the guest list, then.” She slid a thick printed sheet across the coffee table. Names marched down in neat columns, hundred of them. 

“Family on both sides, of course. Business associates, a few city council members. We’ll need to confirm numbers soon for the catering and seating chart.” She said trying to explain herself about the long list.

I scanned the list, my eyes a bit fuzzy probably some water got inside. I rubbed taking a look on more time before I gave Alex the paper. I don’t even know half of the people in that list. 

“I’m not even sure that I want so many people at my wedding.” I said quietly, his mother looked at me but I was already staring back at her because its my wedding, I will say what goes.

Alex leaned forward, elbows on his knees. “There’s name thats missing in this guest list, Mom.”

I turned my head toward him. My breath caught once, then settled into an even rhythm.

I kept my face still. I sat there, wet hair dripping one last cold trail down my spine beneath the jacket. 

“Who’s name is missing on that list?”