Chapter 345: SS3 02: How to Calm Thy Mother

"Good day, Ms. Hart."

"Good day," Eve greeted back. She stood on a platform, three mirrors poised in front of her. Studio lights lined the top and created a spotlight pointed in her direction. 

The seamstress stepped up the platform, stretching the tape measure. She gave instructions which Eve obediently followed. Then, she said, "Have you decided on a design for the wedding gown?"

Eve bit her inner cheek as she raised her arms. "Um… not entirely."

"Are you worried about the cost?" The seamstress asked. "Mr. Hathaway had told us you might. You do understand this dress will be sponsored by Athon Luxury? Neither of you will spend a single cent."

"I know but—"

"This is an honor to us, Ms. Hart," she stressed. "And a wedding gift to you both. Please accept it. And choose a dress you'd proudly wear. That's all designers want—to see the wearers smile at their creations when worn."

The doors of the dressing room clattered shut. Eve glanced over her shoulder to find none other than Luna Athon. The latter's ebony eyes crinkled at the corners. "There's my blushing bride."

"Luna!" Eve exclaimed, making her way towards the designer. She enveloped Luna in a hug which was returned with the same amount of enthusiasm. "We missed you. How have you been? Don't tell anyone this but Cale misses you the most."

"And why shouldn't I tell anyone that?"

"Because Avery would protest."

"Ah, yes. She would." Luna chuckled. Her dark brown hair was swept up into a high ponytail, one of her signature styles. She pulled back and stared at Eve from head to toe. "I saw you at Fashion Week and I'm very proud of how far you've come."

Eve couldn't help but blush. "I probably wouldn't have made it without you though."

"Maybe… but I merely gave you a chance. You're the one who made it work."

Silence surrounded the two. The seamstress earlier had written Eve's measurements in a notebook. For a wedding gown, it was important to check in intervals until the big day. It has to be the perfect fit—but before they worried about that…

They needed to know what designs and materials they'll be dealing with.

Luna gestured towards the lounge area in the room. "Now, shall we talk about wedding gowns?" 

Books on top of books littered the coffee table. A server came by to offer beverages and snacks while the two women collected images for inspiration. Luna placed another stack on Eve's lap. "I need comments after you're done looking at these. Like what kind of material you prefer, the shoulder/upper design, the skirt, and must we include the veil too?"

Eve felt overwhelmed. They had done more sticky notes for the wedding gown than she, Andie and Avery did for the theme. Everything looked so beautiful and magical. She almost couldn't tell which styles she'd like to go for.

"I think…" Eve started to say. The only way to narrow this down was to be practical. The wedding is in the summer season so she needed breathable fabric. "I'd prefer a simple cut but maybe add small details in lace, fake gems—anything to elevate the design. And not just the top but also the skirt."

Most of the designs she liked only had the top embellished. The skirt looked boring compared to all the attention the bodice received. Then, if it wasn't that, it would be the other way around. She needed something that would be balanced.

Luna wrote it down. "What type of skirt do you want? A-line, fitted, mermaid?"

"A-line, maybe?"

"Neckline?" She continued, pulling out a sheet of paper from a folder. She handed it over to Eve. "Here's a reference for you."

"Oh," Eve uttered. It contained images of neckline examples. She picked out which ones stood out to her the most. "Sweetheart or off-shoulder maybe."

For her, they were classic cuts for a wedding.

"Okay." Luna finished writing and clapped her hands. She reached for a book Eve had finished looking at to see what notes the latter made. "Let's see if I can make a mock design you might like."

They repeated this several times for the next hour. Luna pointed out a few designs Eve chose, asking more questions like the color and the weight of the gown. All of it would be handmade and they didn't have a lot of time for a few ideas they considered.

Then, Luna started talking about fabrics which Eve knew little off.

It was both fascinating and confusing to learn.

A phone alarm interrupted the conversation. Eve checked her phone, reading the reminder for her next appointment. "I think that's all of my time today, Luna. I need to go check on the caterer."

The designer stood up and smoothed the creases on her blouse. "Don't worry. I'll email them to you. If you also have any sudden ideas or inspiration, message them to me. Send photos from the internet if you must. I'm all eyes and ears."

Eve grabbed her purse and reached out for another hug. "Thank you, Luna."

"No problem, Eve." Luna chuckled before they broke apart. Then, her ebony eyes narrowed in suspicion but her lips stayed playful. "I heard you worried about this being free. Believe me when I say, I can't think of a better gift on this day except for your wedding gown. We can do a reception dress too if you'd like."

"OH! A reception dress would be nice, indeed," Eve replied without a second thought. If the wedding gown turned out to be heavy, she'd love a second dress to wear for the rest of the evening. They would be dancing and making rounds. She'd prefer something lighter for those.

Luna's grin became coy. "Something easy to remove perhaps?"

"..."

Eve nearly choked, reading between the lines. She averted her gaze. Not even her and Andie talked about this part of their relationship much. Was it normal for other people to be this open about it? Was she expected to laugh or… do something not awkward?

"Just teasing, dear." Luna patted her shoulder.

"I'll be going now," Eve said, ready to escape before things become awkward again. 

"Take care."

Eve almost reached her next stop half an hour later. Paparazzi had tailed her vehicle all day, providing live feed about her wedding preparation. She blew out a breath and nestled her head on the backrest. 

She'd like to say that she couldn't wait for the wedding to be over.

But, this wouldn't go away even if that did happen. The movie would be out by the end of the year or in the first half of the following year. Then, if she would get pregnant, they'd keep their eyes on her stomach and the baby—

She shook the thoughts out of her head.

She'd rather keep her sanity.

Nanzie opened the door for her when they arrived at Stitz Bistro. It was a good thing it was in a remote place away from the city. There were less places for paparazzi to hide so they couldn't come closer.

Ambryan waited near the entrance. He reached out for her hand and kissed the back of her fingers. The world finally knew this woman was to be his wife. He couldn't stop smiling at that thought. 

"How did things go with Luna?" 

Eve stepped closer and cupped his cheek. "Why not wait for the wedding and find out?"

Then, she slipped away from his grasp, heading for the private room they booked. A server waited for them by the door. The couple entered the room and two chefs stood behind the owner. They were positioned beside the doorway.

"Hello, Mr. Hathaway, Ms. Hart," the owner said, bowing her head. "I'm Ayna. Thank you for considering Stitz Bistro for your wedding caterer. Please have a seat."

"Pleasure to meet you, Ms. Ayna." Eve smiled. She headed for the table. Just before she sat down, Ambryan beat her to it. A scowl appeared on her forehead. She changed directions, aiming for the only empty seat left.

A hand grabbed her wrist. "Where are you going?"

Eve pointed to the chair. "To sit."

"But Ms. Ayna said to only take one seat." Ambryan blinked. A few seconds passed by before Eve understood what he meant. When her expression changed, her fiance blinked at her expectantly.

She flicked his forehead. "Stop fooling around. You're a grown man."

"Being in love makes one feel youthful."

"If only it actually reverses age."

Ambryan frowned and let her go. He watched her smug face as she took her seat. "And they say this should be a blissful time. Except, it seems like my fiance is adamant to prove everyone wrong."

"We'd like to start with your choice of appetizers, please," Eve addressed the crew, bluntly ignoring him. It may be a private room but they had company. It wasn't a free invitation to flirt.

"Black tea for me and lemon water for the lady," Ambryan added. "She's had a long day. A drink that could refresh her energy would be good. Thank you." 

"Right away." Ayna turned to the two chefs who left for the kitchen the room came with. She headed for a nearby drink stand, preparing their desired beverages. She moved as stealthy as she could in order not to disturb the couple.

"Now, tell me…" Ambryan started to say. "How are you and wedding preparations? Like really."

"It's all good. Mishta takes most of the load. She's really good at her job."

"You know it's never too late to go to the city office and sign the papers."

Eve thanked Ayna for her drink, glaring in Ambryan's direction. "Then, Aunt Avery would be furious that we skipped the ceremony and reception. She'd never let it go and you know that."

"Mother?" Ambryan blinked. The chefs returned with two plates of salads. He smirked while unfolding his table napkin. "You should know her by now, darling. She'll calm down eventually."

"Do you know how to calm her down then?" 

"Easy. We escape to our honeymoon."

"That doesn't solve anything."

"It does when we bring back a baby."