Tuesday, January 15th 2024 9:00 AM
Nicky adjusted the mannequin’s outfit for the third time that morning. They made sure that each mannequin was perfect and their store was spotless. Sure, they could have requested an assistant or one of the shop girls to clean up, but no one could make it perfect like Nicky could.
After years of creating pieces for celebrities and self funding their own fashion projects, Nicky Benoit was now the go to sim for the hottest pieces. They ensured that each custom piece was made from the finest materials, perfectly tailored, and of course one of a kind. Because of this, Nicky had built the reputation they had always dreamed of having which made them the go-to designer for any ritzy celeb event.
But this project was unlike the others.
A wedding gown?
They recalled receiving the request over drinks and tapas from thee Marlene Sato. Nicky had known that their long time lover, Ty Ashford, had ties to the elite family but they didn’t know that their connections could lead to an offer like this.
“Mrs. Sato.” Nicky greeted as they watched Marlene strut into their boutique.
“Nicky Benoit,” Marlene said as the two embraced. “We’re very excited to see what you designed.” Nicky peeked at the charming brunette over Marlene’s shoulder.
“And you must be my bride, Natalia. It’s nice to meet you.” Nicky eyed Natalia. It was nice to finally see the face behind some of the questionable bridal choices.
“This way.” Nicky led them back to the dressing area of their boutique. They led their bride to the dressing room where her gown sat tucked away, waiting for Natalia.
Once the drapes where pulled down to cover Natalia as she changed into the dress of her dreams, Nicky leaned in towards Marlene and Emilene who made themselves comfortable on the couch.
“Just remember, whatever the bride wants the bride gets.” Nicky hinted towards Marlene. Marlene felt herself slouch over as she prepared for the disappointment of whatever Natalia was going to walk out in.
As Natalia put on her gown, Marlene and Nicky made small talk while Emilene played mobile games to preoccupy her mind.
“Are you ready?” Natalia called. Marlene accepted the forewarning with bated breath.
Marlene eyed the dress. The fit was nice. The material was pretty. The design was simple. Overall, very underwhelming…as expect.
“Well that’s your dress.” Marlene validated.
“This is wholly Natalia’s creation. She gave me a sketch and requested the finest Mikado silk to honor the Sato’s Komorebian ancestry.” Nicky explained.
“Do you like it? ” Natalia asked as she made a grand twirl in her dress. Marlene turned to Emi to answer the question for them.
“You look great.” Emi said plainly.
Natalia could feel the coldness from the Sato women. She disregarded it by adjusting the bow and kicking around the dress to make sure it was movable. Thankfully, the Sato women were saved before they could muster up another half empty compliment regarding the plain dress.
“Finally, someone who will be honest with me. What do you think?” Natalia asked.
Elizabeth eyes the dress before making an honest comment. “That is the finest silk I have ever seen.”
“That’s perfect because the bridesmaid dresses are made from the same material.” Natalia said “Who wants to try theirs on first?”
A rare moment, Liz and Emi shared a concerned look. This was a rare moment for the girls who were once best friends. When Liz went away to her fancy shmancy performing arts college the girls slowly started to drift. And of course when Emi returned from her “vacation”, she found her former best friend had found a new companion in her brother’s fiancé. But Emi wasn’t naïve. She knew that the years of ignoring Liz’s texts while she also found companionship in others…
“I’ll go.” Emi offered.
“I’m sorry I’m late. The spa has been crazy busy recently.” Elizabeth apologized as she sat next to her best friend. Although this isn’t how Liz imagined her using her Master of Music degree, Liz thoroughly enjoyed running her mother’s spa. The spa was peaceful and always smelled like lemongrass. And even though, technically, it was her mother’s business, since her mother still had their Mt. Komorebi spa, this location felt like it belonged to her.
“It’s fine. I’m just glad you could make it.” Natalia smiled at her friend. Being around her bought her so much ease. Marrying into such a prominent family had been tough adjustment but thankfully Natalia found a real friend through it all.
“Sisterhood!” Nicky yelped as they wiped a faux tear from his eyes. As soon as the words escaped his lips, Emilene emerged from the dressing room.
No matter how ugly it was, Marlene couldn’t focus on the dress. She was too distracted by her daughter who was decorated with little graffiti markings. She knew Emi decided to treat her body like a sketchbook but she didn’t know this is how it would look in a dress.
“Well?” Natalia asked while eying her bridesmaids.
But once again, before the women could answer, someone else provided one.
“She looks beautiful.”
A/N: Hello! I’m back 🙂 Here’s the start of chapter 4. No gif because I’m using all materials from screenshots I took in July. I’m grateful to be in a more settled place that I can continue to work on my little passion project. See you guys soon for the next part!
miss moodring musings 