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nFiona Alonzo Mondragon, Andromeda's mother was busy preparing everything. Being the president of the Lady's Society in their town was a big responsibility and as for her daughter, she wanted her to have the grandest wedding. They are lacking time now, but everything has been planned by her father in law, General Alexandro.

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"What I want are lilacs, not roses!

" Fiona scolded her assistant. She massaged her forehead.

"This is my daughter's wedding.

"

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"Relax, Auntie.

" Kathleen hold Fiona's hand and massaged it.

"I'll help you with everything.

" She smiled so sweetly.

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"Thank you, Kathleen. You are the daughter I never had.

" Fiona said as she let her massage her temple.

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"Mrs. Mondragon.

" They turn to the man in a black suit.

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"Mr. Pattinson.

" Fiona stood and facing Rafael Pattinson, Zachary's father.

"Mrs. Pattinson.

" She stood and greet Angela Pattinson, Rafael's wife.

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"How's the preparation?

" Angela asked.

"I am here to help. You look so burned out. Let me handle few things. General Alex has been pressuring you about this wedding.

" Angela smile sweetly.

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"Thank you so much. I really need help.

" Fiona said as she sigh in relief.

nAngela looked around the work place for the planning of Andromeda and Zachary's wedding.

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"Does she already have the gown?

" Angela asked

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"The designer said that she had decided on what to choose. I'll go check on it. I am not confident with her taste with the gowns.

" Fiona said a little guilty so she will work on checking the gown that Andromeda choose.

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"Maybe we should let Andy take care of her dress. She's a woman and she won't probably wear something indecent.

"

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"No. I had decided. I'll go check on the gown.

" Fiona took her purse.

"You can come with me.

"

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"I should let you ladies do your stuffs. I'll meet few people first.

" Rafael kisses his wife and left.

nThe two mothers that will soon to be in laws went to the store and the designer who is so busy adjusting the gown on the other room, but he managed to greet them.

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"Bonjour!

" He greet them.

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"Bonjour! We are here to check my daughter's wedding gown.

" Fiona said.

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"Okay. Uhm, I didn't see the bride anywhere?

" he asked looking behind them.

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"Yeah, she's taking a break. Can we see the gown? I have to check it least.

"

nThe designer Damien hesitated for a while. Adromeda told him not to let anyone check the gown that she's going to wear. Not even her parents or relatives. So, he nicely turn them down.

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"I am so sorry, Madame. But Miss Andy said that no one can check the gown.

"

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"Uhh, what kind of gown did she choose? Something like Gothic style?

" Kathleen asked. Damien looked at her for a while, pauses and it took a while for him to react.

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"Honey, I don't design gothic styles.

" Damien told.

"Besides, I am loyal to the brides. Not to the people who would check on their gowns. No offense but—you aren't going to wear the gown but the bride.

" He smiled at them forcefully.

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"The wedding is in few days—I have to at least check it and make changes if it wasn't that perfect.

" Fiona insisted.

"Please, I am the bride's mom and I want her wedding to be perfect and we have big guests. They are all expecting the bride's gown.

"

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"Fiona. I think we should let it be.

" Angela said.

"We shouldn't intervene on our children's decision.

"

nKathleen was frowning behind them. She wanted badly to see the gown and ruin it. She wanted to ruin everything that Andromeda is preparing. The engagement, the wedding and the honeymoon. She wanted it all to be ruined. She clenches her fist, gritting her teeth and glaring at Damien.

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"Damien, dear, thank you for your time. I am sure that you'll make a very wonderful gown for my future daughter in law. We will be leaving now. Sorry for interrupting.

"

nDamien smiled at her and they left.

n***

nAndromeda's head was going to break. The concussion lasted long and she feel like but the pain that she's suffering doesn't compare to all the pain that she suffered all these years. The first pain she felt was being shot at the age of ten. Her grandfather shot her but she's wearing a vest under for her protection.

nHe wanted her to feel how a bullet and how painful it was. At first, her father was so terrified that her grandpa shot her in front of them.

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"Are you okay?

" A man's voice asked her. She open her heavy eyes and look up at Zach.

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"Yeah.

" She said casually and turn back from her. She pull the pillow and hugged it. Before closing her eyes, she remember one thing that he would do when she's like this.

nZach would embrace her and tell her what she craved for. Headache would fade away when he start mentioning his favorite foods. She close her eyes and pray to God to let him leave. Even though that it was a happy memory. She wanted it to fade. She wanted all of it to be washed out. Because the more she think, the more painful it is for her.

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"You haven't eaten.

"

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"Please leave me alone.

" She mutter.

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"Okay.

" When she heard him left and didn't feel his presence anymore, she open her eyes and look around. The bed smells like him. The whole room smells like him. She exhales and hugged the pillow more to comfort herself. He looked at the

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"Why are you being so nice to me?

" She muttered though he's no longer there.

"I just wished that you weren't nice. So, it wouldn't be hard for me to let you go.

"

nShe hugged the pillow more and shove her face on the pillow that smells like him. The man she loved so much and give her all. Why was she feeling this? Why did she love him so much? Why does she have to stay in love to her all these years?

nShe lay flat down and tears started rolling down from her eyes. She exhales and fall asleep.

nZach came in the room and strode to the bed. He sat down beside her. She's sleeping again without eating. He wipe his wet cheeks and pull the duvet to her body.

nHe failed her many times. He hurt her so much. How can he make her feel better?

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"Andy, torture me as you want. I will be your slave all my life. Just don't torture yourself. It wasn't your fault. It was mine.

" He bent down and kisses her forehead.

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