FULL NOVELXO Chapter 67
Chapter 67
The next day.
Cliff, the driver, had taken care of Howard’s discharge from the hospital, and the two headed straight for the.. photography studio.
Gwendolyn followed Howard into the grand hall with curiosity, noticing that the walls were adorned with various photographs, family portraits, individual shots, and wedding photos. They walked through the wooden corridor and arrived at the photo studio.
Roselind and Jeannie greeted them upon arrival, “You guys finally made it. The photographer’s all set up and ready to go.”
Gwendolyn looked around, confused.
“Howard, you didn’t tell her?” Roselind chided.
Howard turned to Gwendolyn, explaining, “We’re here to take a family portrait.”
Jeannie covered her mouth, giggling, “That’s not all. The family photo is just a part of it. The main event is to take some belated wedding photos for you and Gwendolyn. Mom and I spent ages picking out dresses.”
Wedding photos?
A blush crept across Gwendolyn’s cheeks.
Howard was just as uninformed as she was.
“They didn’t tell me. I didn’t mean to trick you into coming,” he explained to Gwendolyn, worried she might take it the wrong way.
Jeannie took Gwendolyn’s hand, “Don’t be shy, Gwendolyn. Try on the wedding dress. Dad will take Howard to get suited up. Let’s go.”
The three women flocked to the dressing room, which was filled with the latest wedding gown designs, a veritable paradise for any woman.
“That French–inspired one is gorgeous, very classy and elegant. The big skirt and cinched waist design will highlight your figure perfectly.”
“I think the mermaid style would look great too.”
Roselind made her recommendation after a thorough browse, “Why don’t we shoot in all of them? Plus, let’s add a traditional Western style with a long veil. Let’s start with the French one, then the mermaid.”
“That’s too many,” Gwendolyn softly protested, only to be overruled by them.
“You only get married once. My mom had ten different wedding dresses for her shoot.”
She was ushered into the fitting room, and the attentive makeup artist helped her into a strapless French satin gown. Gwendolyn’s hands flew to her chest, her neck flushing red.
She had never worn something so revealing.
“Please sit, and I’ll do your makeup,” the makeup artist said with a smile.
Gwendolyn was like a puppet on strings, closing her eyes when told, and bowing her head on command. Tense throughout the process, she surrendered to the artist’s touch.
Two hours later, her makeup was finally complete.
“You’re one of the most beautiful brides I’ve ever seen,” the artist remarked.
7/2
11:50
Gwendolyn figured she probably said that to all her clients.
But when she looked up at the woman in the mirror with her exquisite makeup and seductive eyes, even she felt like a stranger.
“Alright, let’s get ready for the shoot. The groom has been ready for a while.”
The makeup artist lifted her voluminous skirt, moving forward slowly.
As the doors to the dressing room opened, every eye in the Chadwick family fell upon her. The studio lights shimmered down like stars in a galaxy.
“You look absolutely stunning. You should wear makeup more often, Gwendolyn, the heads you’d turn,”
“Gwendolyn is just gorgeous,” Roselind declared proudly.
Gwendolyn held onto her gown, her soft eyes meeting Howard’s, capturing the awe and admiration that filled his own. Her lips curled into a slight smile.
‘Alright, bride and groom, let’s start shooting.” the assistant photographer called out enthusiastically.
Jeannie piped up, “Coming. Gwendolyn, I’ll hold your train for you.”
Howard sat on an armchair, extending his hand toward her.
Gwendolyn placed her hand in his, feeling his firm grip.
Good. Look this way, you two,” the young, hip photographer instructed, his demeanor as lively as his fashion ense, “Let’s start with the basic poses.”