บท 38: Chapter 38 Wedding Photos

Alicia changed back into her own clothes and emerged from the fitting room. The assistant took precise measurements of her body, making sure to cover every part.

Once the measurements were taken, Alicia sat down on the couch and began browsing through her phone. While trying on the gown earlier, she had taken a few selfies in the mirror, intending to keep the most beautiful one as a memento. However, she couldn't decide which one to keep, as they were all too lovely to delete.

Louis glanced at her and chuckled, "If you like them so much, why not go for a wedding photoshoot?"

Alicia looked up from her phone, surprised.

Louis reached over and tousled her hair, saying, "If you want to do it, just do it. Don't worry about it. I'll be free tomorrow afternoon, so after I finish my work, I'll pick you up. It's settled then."

Paige handed Alicia a glass of milk while saying, "The place next door does wedding photoshoots. The owner is a good friend of mine. You two should go there. I'll give her a heads-up and squeeze you in."

Alicia took the glass, looking gratefully at Paige. Of course, she wanted to have a photoshoot. Apart from their wedding photo on their marriage certificate, she and Louis hadn't taken any pictures together. A photoshoot would be a nice memento of their marriage, something to look back on when they were older, reminiscing about the love they once shared.

She turned her head to sneak a peek at Louis. The soft orange light cast gentle shadows on his chiseled jawline and prominent nose bridge. The man she loved was breathtakingly handsome.

The next afternoon, Louis arrived on time to pick Alicia up at the hospital.

Once they reached the wedding photo studio, Alicia went to have her makeup done while Louis waited outside. The ladies' makeup room was spacious, accommodating several people getting their makeup done. Alicia sat quietly in front of the vanity with her eyes closed.

As the makeup artist applied foundation to her face with a brush, she asked, "Mrs. Martinez, what brand of skincare products do you usually use? Your skin looks nice; just a thin layer of foundation will do."

Alicia wasn't sure what brand her skincare products were. Louis had given them to her – imported from France, with a long name, apparently high-end products. Alicia didn't speak French, so she had used them for three years without remembering the brand. She smiled apologetically and said, "Can I ask my husband later and let you know?"

The makeup artist replied enviously, "Your husband really loves you if he takes care of even your skincare products."

The word "love" made Alicia pause and wonder silently, "He treats me well, but is that love?"

Suddenly, a coquettish female voice chimed in, "Alicia, you're here for a photoshoot too?"

A chill ran down Alicia's spine as she gradually opened her eyes. Just a few feet away, Madelyn, all dolled up and rocking a fluffy, yellow tulle dress, grinned at her.

The makeup room was packed, and Alicia wasn't in the mood for a chat with Madelyn, so she gave her a subtle nod. But Madelyn wasn't about to let her off the hook that easy. Slyly smirking, she announced, "Alicia's a small-town girl, so this must be her first rodeo, huh?"

Everyone in the room heard her and turned to look at Alicia, amusement in their eyes, like she was some kind of country bumpkin.

Alicia was at a loss for words. Véronique had actually been working in big cities back in the day. After retiring, she moved to her sleepy hometown near the mountains because Alicia's grandpa's asthma needed cleaner air.

Genevieve was a single mom who had to work, so Alicia went to live with Véronique in the sticks. Alicia didn't see anything wrong with rural life, where the air was fresh, and the folks were salt of the earth.

Alicia met Madelyn's smug stare and casually replied, "This isn't just a photoshoot, it's my wedding shoot."

Madelyn's perfectly primped face dropped, clearly irked. She scoffed, "For real? You and Louis are splitting up, so why bother with wedding pics now? Total waste of time."

Alicia kept her cool and said, "Louis suggested it."

Madelyn didn't buy it. "I bet you begged him. Louis hates having his picture taken."

Alicia didn't want to get into it, so she shut her eyes and let the makeup artist do her thing. Madelyn glared at her for a bit before storming off.

Once Alicia was all glammed up, she went to the waiting area to find Louis, only to spot Madelyn cozied up to him, whispering and giggling. Alicia couldn't make out their conversation, and it got under her skin. She picked up the pace to close the gap.

As Madelyn saw Alicia coming, she cranked up the volume and asked Louis, "If you and Alicia are calling it quits, why's she still pushing for wedding pics?"

Louis answered flatly, "My call."

Madelyn sputtered, "But you hate photos." In the past, whenever she tried to snap a pic with him, he'd politely pass, saying he wasn't into it.

Louis glanced up and caught sight of Alicia, stunning in her white wedding gown, approaching. His eyes lit up, and he absentmindedly told Madelyn, "Guess it depends on who I'm snapping shots with."

It felt like an ice-cold splash had drenched Madelyn from head to toe, leaving her utterly crushed.

Biting back her feelings, Madelyn forced a laugh and said, "Louis, Uncle Henry promised me we'd tie the knot after your divorce with Alicia. Don't you think you're just humiliating me by doing so?"

Louis shot her an icy side-eye, "My divorce from Alicia and marrying you have nothing to do with each other."

"But Uncle Henry said we're a perfect match made in heaven, and he's dead set on me being a part of your family soon." Madelyn's voice took on an edge, trying to save face.

Louis's patience was wearing thin, and his brow furrowed slightly. People tended to push back when they were cornered, and so did Louis. He was already peeved about being strong-armed into divorcing Alicia by Henry, and now he had to deal with Madelyn picking on her. His guilt towards Madelyn was almost tapped out.

"Take it up with whoever promised you," he said, standing up and walking over to Alicia. Taking her hand, he flashed a warm smile and said, "You look stunning today."

Alicia smiled back sweetly, "So do you, a real head-turner, the most dashing groom." She playfully gave him a thumbs up.

The two shared a knowing grin and walked away hand in hand. Once they rounded a corner, they let go of each other's hands.

"Thanks for having my back," said Alicia.

Louis shrugged it off, saying, "You're welcome. It's my fault we're in this mess anyway."

Side by side, they entered the photography studio.

Meanwhile, Madelyn watched the two walk away hand in hand, fuming. She dialed Henry on her phone, "Uncle Henry, Louis and Alicia are taking wedding photos. What's the deal? They're supposed to be getting a divorce, but they're acting like lovebirds. Is the divorce even happening?"

Upon hearing this, Henry seethed, his forehead veins bulging. But to reassure Madelyn, he said, "Maybe they're taking the wedding photos as keepsakes since they're divorcing. Both Alicia and Louis have already signed the divorce papers, and it's just a matter of wrapping things up. Don't freak out, stay cool."

Hearing that Louis had signed the divorce papers too, Madelyn's worries eased. Growing up together as childhood sweethearts, they shared over a decade of emotional ties. She believed that once the divorce was final, she could win him back.

Inside the photography studio, Alicia and Louis struck various poses in front of the backdrop, following the photographer's directions. They linked arms, embraced, and kissed, their interactions smooth and in sync. Anyone who didn't know better would think they were a sweet, loving newlywed couple. Even the photographer praised them, saying they were the most gorgeous and well-matched pair he'd ever shot.

Alicia smiled, but deep down, she felt a pang of sadness. No matter how perfect they seemed on the outside, they were about to divorce due to their different social backgrounds.

Louis caught the sorrow in her eyes, and as he held her waist, he whispered in her ear, "If you can't stand to lose me, let's not divorce. Let's just make it work. Whatever you don't like about me, I can change."