Chapter 185 - Moonlit Stroll

Inside the posh bridal shop, Alianna picked out several wedding dresses for Katherine and asked a shop assistant to help her change. Katherine would come out of the dressing room after she changes and Ali would give compliments or comments. 

All of the dresses that Katherine tried on were very pretty — something she never thought she would ever wear, first because of the price tag and second, she didn't feel any connection with them. There was something missing and she could not pin on what exactly it was.

On the fourth try, she started feeling unsure about what she was doing. "Ali, I think that's enough for today… I'll just try on some more when we fly back home."

"Aw… you're not having fun, are you? Too bad, the next one looks really nice…" Alianna ran her hand down a lacey dress and she turned to Katherine. "Okay, we'll grab some lunch after you change." 

Looking at the next piece, Katherine gave it a once-over and pursed her lips. "You know what, I'll just try one more dress."

"Oh… okay!" Ali plopped back down on the sofa and grabbed her second flute of champagne. One thing she loved about shopping for wedding dresses in that posh store was their service… and the snacks, of course.

She was checking out her messages and replied to a few texts from her manager and Matthew whom she had kept in touch with since. There was something comforting about her friendship with him as there were no pretenses — he was unlike other guys that she met because he never once tried to 'get in her pants', not that she was expecting him to. It was just nice to have him around and be platonic — no drama.

"So…" Katherine came out from the dressing room and was feeling shy about the current piece on her. She watched as Alianna's eyes widened and her jaw dropped.

"Oh! Ma sei stupenda!" Alianna exclaimed in Italian. "You are stunning!" she repeated, this time in English.

Katherine hadn't seen herself in the big mirror yet but with the way Ali reacted, she became excited. And as soon as she stepped on the platform and saw herself in the huge mirror, she was speechless. 

It was an off-shoulder lacey mermaid dress in long sleeves and soft tulle skirt. The dress was definitely beautiful on its own but she didn't think she would love it on her. She didn't realize her eyes were getting misty until Ali handed her a box of tissue as they stood next to each other, appreciating her appearance in the mirror. When the assistant saw her reaction, they completed her outfit with a veil on her head, making everything perfect.

"Is this it?" Alianna probed. Though she was sure that her friend loved the gown, she wanted to hear her confirmation.

"I… think so…" Katherine responded hesitantly. "Is it okay if I think about it first? I mean… I didn't plan on getting a dress today, we were just looking through. I feel like everything is just overwhelming." Her voice was small and weak, suddenly feeling tensed.

"Of course. Tell you what, I'll arrange this one for you and ask if we can reserve it. If you have decided, let's have them ship it to your home. Sound good?"

Katherine nodded and felt better. She thought that sleeping it off will probably help her. Besides, what if she finds something even better than this one?

…

The two of them went out for lunch and spent a couple of hours in a spa before Alianna dragged her to a few more stores. Katherine wasn't really much of a shopper but Alianna sort of made it 'likable' for her — at least she didn't hate it. 

Late in the afternoon, they had just gotten out of a shop when they saw Damien outside. He was standing with his back facing them and Katherine couldn't help but beam. She skipped towards him and instantly wrapped her arms around his waist, surprising him. 

Damien turned to face her in an instant and returned her hug with his own. "Hey, did you have fun?"

Katherine's eyes darted towards Ali and muttered, "You might want to skip checking your monthly bill this time. I think your cousin just robbed you."

"Hey! How dare you tell on me?" Alianna pouted at Katherine before she brightened up and made a cute face at her older cousin. "I just followed your words, Damien… You can't blame me for that," she said as she reluctantly returned the black metal card back to him.

Raising her hand, Katherine tried to console him, "I'm better, I bought you something with my own money." She stuck her tongue out to Ali.

Alianna gasped, clutching her heart before she laughed it off.

He chuckled and shook his head, securing his credit card back in his wallet before placing his arms around the two women's shoulders. "Come on, I'll take you ladies out for dinner."

…

After dinner, the three of them went back to the hotel and while Alianna chose to stay inside for the rest of that evening, Damien and Katherine went out again for an evening stroll. 

It was more beautiful at night in Paris than it is during the day. The two of them took a moonlit stroll by the Seine River, taking in the photogenic and dreamlike view of the city — it was enchanting. 

"How can you not love this place? It feels so romantic!" Katherine remarked as they stopped at the Pont Neuf, the oldest standing bridge across the river of Seine and admired the yellow lights that reflected on the water, making the whole place look even more otherworldly.

"It is indeed a beautiful city… but if you don't know your way around and wander in some areas, there are some risks. I don't know but I prefer Lyon… It's a very picturesque and charming place to visit. Tomorrow you'll appreciate it too," he placed a kiss on her forehead as he continued to talk about what he loves in the other city. 

As they headed back to their hotel, Katherine remembered her strange encounter earlier that day with the local woman. In the suite, Damien noticed her in deep thoughts while they sat on a French sofa in front of the fireplace. He sat at one end of the sofa with a glass of wine in his hand while Katherine leaned on his shoulder, their fingers interlacing.

"Hey… Where did you go?" he asked as he stroked her hair, wondering where her mind flew.

"I was just thinking… my memories… I want to try and remember…"

"That conversation earlier with the woman bothered you, huh?" He put the wine glass down and shifted her on his lap.

"A little… I was wondering how I learned it… Why I learned it…" She chewed on her bottom lip before looking at him.

Nodding, Damien kissed her shoulder and reassured her, "Whatever you want. I'll arrange a session with Jeffrey as soon as we get back. Okay?"

Katherine finally felt at ease knowing that she had something to look forward to once she gets back. For now, she just wanted to enjoy the moment with Damien in France.

The next morning, Alianna had to fly back to Italy for work. She was quite bummed that she couldn't go with them to another city but she promised to help Katherine with whatever she needed for her wedding. After the fashion week in Milan, she planned to go back before Nana starts taking over Katherine's wedding preparation.

Soon, Damien and Katherine arrived at their first stop and when she saw a helicopter in front of them, she shook her head and resisted the urge to roll her eyes.

"Damien, couldn't we um… I don't know, travel by car or train?" she asked as he assisted her to get inside the helicopter.

He chuckled at her question. "We could, but the car will take longer and I'm not a fan of trains. Also, where's the fun in that?"

Good thing Katherine was okay with flying. "Fine. What are we doing today?"

Looking at her, Damien was tempted to spill his surprise but a little hint wouldn't hurt.

"You'll see, my Queen." Bringing her hand to his lips, he kissed it.