Capítulo 24: Bride-To-Be.

Once Kazuma left, Tanaga turned his attention to the other employees. His face was stern as he shouted loud enough to wake the dead.

"Close the shop! No customers allowed today. Is that understood?"

"Yes, Sir!" They all agreed.

"Good. Who's the assistant manager?"

A man raised his arm, "I am, Sir."

"What's your name?" Tanaga asked.

"Ishito, Sir." The assistant manager replied, standing at attention like he was a soldier addressing a superior officer.

"Alright, Ishito. I expect you to perform a miracle. If you need to pray to any Saints or Gods, do it now. I'll be back to pick her up when she's ready."

"Sir, if you don't mind me asking, what occasion are we helping her prepare for? We want to choose the appropriate attire."

Tanaga glanced at Ashley. She was sitting with her chin propped on the palm of her hand, flipping through a magazine. His face turned sour. "Ask my WIFE!" he said in Nihongo, believing she didn't know the language.

Ashley responded this time, speaking in Tagalog, "I'm just curious, when did you become my husband? I don't remember ever getting married." Tanaga's eyes widened with surprise.

"You've been referring to me as your wife since we arrived. Did you think I couldn't understand what you were saying? I know we are about to get married, but I'm not your wife yet," she said curtly. She turned her back to him without waiting for his response.

Her words hurt Tanaga's pride and left him rooted to the floor. He couldn't believe what she'd just said. 'Where did this audacity come from? Do you think I want you to become my wife? Of course not.' Tanaga said to himself as he walked out, slamming the door behind him.

Ishito turned to Ashley, "Ma'am, I need to know what occasion you're dressing for," he said amiably as the other workers began preparing refreshments.

Ashley couldn't decide whether, to be honest with them or not. She silently contemplated, giving the employees the impression that she didn't understand the question. One of them suggested to Ishito to repeat the question in English. As he was about to speak, Ashley answered, "It's a wedding," blushing as she spoke.

"Oh, lovely! What's your role in the wedding? Maid of honor or a bridesmaid?"

"Not the maid of honor…" she searched for words, unable to bring herself to use the word bride. She hadn't come to terms with it yet, because this marriage was nothing more than a written, loveless contract.

"So, you're a bridesmaid then?" The assistant manager interrupted.

Ashley bit her lower lip, thinking to herself that this situation was no good. They would never get this over with if they carried on this way. "No, ah, it's because…oh, what the heck?" She stammered, struggling with the words. She decided to say it in English to be sure they understood.

"The truth of the matter is…we're the ones getting married," she managed. "There! I said it. I'm the bride, not a member of the wedding party. Do you understand what I'm saying?" Ashley flared, annoyed, having to admit it. She'd held her breath trying to get the truth out, causing her to gasp for air.

This news took the store employees by surprise, resulting in shocking responses. They went into a frenzy, excited for the opportunity to show off their skills.

They got busy planning to make her the most beautiful bride ever. They desperately wanted to please their boss. Who knew? He might give them a bonus or a raise. At least, that's what they were hoping.

Ishito was ecstatic. "Oh, my God! Really? We've got it now, Ma'am." He quickly gave the other workers instructions, and they rushed to tend to their assigned tasks. He turned back to face Ashley, flashing her a smile. "We have all the best for you here, Ma'am. Please, follow me." Ishito led her to a separate room.

Ashley's body froze when she saw the room full of elegant wedding gowns. The shopworkers brought the gowns to her one by one. She couldn't help but smile, seeing the intricately embroidered white and cream dresses. Some of them were adorned with diamonds, gems, and gold thread. This was the first time she laid eyes on such expensive items. The price of just one of these gowns would feed her family for years.

Realizing she would wear one of these today, her face grew sullen. She would be excited to pick out a wedding dress if she were marrying for real love, but that wasn't the case. I don't think I want to wear any of these; she thought to herself as her heart sank.

Seeing the expression on her face change suddenly made alarm bells began ringing in Ishito's mind. "Ma'am, are these gowns not pleasing to you?"

"No, no, no. They're all stunning. In fact, too beautiful for me to wear. I prefer something nice and simple," Ashley said, smiling to ease Ishito's nervousness. The fear of displeasing their boss was a feeling she understood very well.

"Hmmm, simple?" Ishito chewed on the end of his pen, his brows furrowed, thinking to himself there was nothing simple available in their shop. "Ma'am, can you tell us what you mean by simple? We have more gowns to show you. The choice is yours to make. Please, follow me this way," he said as he led Ashley into another room.

Thankfully, Ashley found one she liked, relieving the shopworkers from the intense pressure they felt. Next, they picked shoes, pieces of jewelry, and other accessories from various rooms throughout the shop. At last, it was makeover time. They led her to a well-lit room with an oversized mirror in front of her.

"Ma'am, I'm sure, after this makeover, Mr. Jones will be head over heels in love with you. He'll never want to let you out of his sight," Ishito said, smiling with pride.

She doubted the assistant manager's words but didn't dare to voice it and burst their bubbling expectations like a popped balloon. Instead, she made sure to act happy and thankful in front of them.

"Really? You think so? That would be wonderful. Thank you so much! You really are miracle workers." She feigned a laugh, but there was no joy inside her heart.

Ishito didn't notice the falsehood in her reply and went on arranging her hair as others manicured her nails.

"Don't you worry, Ma'am. I don't need to pray to any gods for a miracle. You're naturally beautiful. We simply need to enhance it with a touch of make-up. When we're done, you'll be the most striking beauty Mr. Jones has ever seen. He's going to be mesmerized." Ishito's chin was held high as he made his proud announcement to the bride-to-be.