The CEO's Secret Obsession-Chapter 143: Wedding Shopping

[One Week Before the Wedding]

The boutique was elegant in a quiet, intimidating way—soft lighting, mirrors framed in gold, racks of gowns that looked like they belonged in fairy tales rather than real life.

Evelyn stood in the middle of it all, suddenly very aware of her own heartbeat.

"This is a lot," she murmured.

Patricia, who had been spinning slowly in place just to admire the dresses, grinned. "Oh no. You do not get to panic now. I have waited too long for this."

The stylist laughed gently. "We will take it slow. No pressure."

Evelyn nodded, grateful but the moment she touched the first gown—a heavy satin with intricate beading—her throat tightened.

This was real.

She disappeared into the changing room, and when she stepped out in the first dress, Patricia’s eyes widened.

"Oh," Patricia breathed. "Okay. That’s unfair."

Evelyn studied her reflection. The dress was beautiful—structured, regal—but it felt distant like she was wearing someone else’s dream.

She shook her head. "It’s stunning but it doesn’t feel like me."

Patricia smiled softly. "That’s okay. It’s not supposed to be the first one."

The second dress was softer, lace flowing like it had a mind of its own. The third was romantic but too delicate. The fourth made her laugh out loud.

"I look like I am attending my own funeral," she declared.

Patricia snorted. "Alexander would still marry you, but yes—hard pass."

By the time she tried the fifth dress, Evelyn was tired, barefoot, hair slightly undone, walls lowered.

And then—

She stepped out.

The dress wasn’t loud. It didn’t scream luxury or drama. It fit her like it had been waiting.

It had simple lines, soft fabric and it was elegant without trying.

Patricia didn’t say anything at first, she just swallowed.

Evelyn looked at herself and for the first time, she didn’t see a bride.

She saw herself.

"This is it," she whispered.

Patricia walked over, eyes shining. "Yeah, that’s the one."

Evelyn’s fingers trembled as she touched the fabric. "Alexander is going to lose his mind."

Patricia smiled knowingly. "Good. Let him."

.....

[Another Store]

The tailor’s studio was immaculate and every fabric sample was aligned with military precision.

Alexander stood straight as the tailor pinned the jacket, his expression serious.

"The shoulder needs a slight adjustment," Alexander said calmly. "And the sleeve—half a centimeter shorter."

Lucas, sprawled lazily on the couch, stared at him.

"Are you the groom or the tailor?"

Alexander ignored him. "Also, the lapel shouldn’t be too sharp. This isn’t a board meeting."

Lucas sat up. "Wow. So you do know how to relax."

Alexander glanced at him. "This matters."

"I know," Lucas said more softly. Then smirked. "But watching you micromanage your own wedding suit is deeply entertaining."

The tailor smiled politely, pretending not to listen.

Lucas stood and walked around Alexander, inspecting him like a critic. "You are going classic, clean and understated."

Alexander nodded. "Evelyn doesn’t like excess."

Lucas’s teasing faded just a bit. "You really know her."

Alexander’s mouth curved. "I want to."

The tailor stepped back. "Try moving."

Alexander rolled his shoulders, tested the fit, then gave a small nod. "Good."

Lucas clapped once. "Congratulations. You look like a man who is absolutely doomed."

Alexander smirked. "Funny. You look like someone who hasn’t chosen his suit yet."

Lucas groaned. "Do I have to?"

"Yes," Alexander said. "And you are not allowed to embarrass me."

Lucas sighed dramatically. "I stand by my right to emotional support glitter."

Alexander actually laughed and that surprised both of them.

As they stepped out of the studio later, Lucas bumped Alexander’s shoulder lightly. "You know, she is good for you."

Alexander didn’t hesitate. "I know."

....

[Mall Café — Late Afternoon]

The café was crowded in the way only mall cafés ever were—half shopping bags, half exhausted conversations and the smell of coffee and sugar thick in the air.

Evelyn spotted Alexander first and waved, already smiling as she walked in.

He stood up immediately, instinctive, reaching for her hand the second she reached the table.

"Sorry we are late," she said. "The bridal store was chaotic."

Lucas snorted from his seat. "You mean you were chaos."

Patricia rolled her eyes. "You tried on six jackets and rejected all of them because the buttons were ’emotionally wrong.’"

Alexander took his seat calmly. "Buttons matter."

"See?" Lucas pointed at him. "That’s what I am saying, perfectionism is contagious."

They were still laughing when—

"Lucas."

The voice was sharp and familiar.

All four of them turned and Lucas went pale.

"Oh—no," he muttered under his breath. "Absolutely not."

Patricia frowned. "What?"

Before anyone could ask another question, Lucas was already standing.

And then he grabbed Patricia’s hand.

Patricia nearly yelped.

"What are you—"

He leaned in, whispering fast, panicked. "Please. Just—play along. Five minutes. I beg you."

Her eyes widened. "Lucas—"

"Please."

Something about the desperation in his voice made her stop.

"Fine," she hissed back. "But you owe me."

"I will owe you my soul."

Alexander raised an eyebrow, amused and Evelyn was already biting back a grin.

A tall, elegant woman approached the table, perfectly dressed, posture immaculate and her eyes sharp enough to assess everyone in seconds.

"Lucas," she said coolly. "You weren’t answering my calls."

Lucas plastered on a smile that was just a bit too tight. "Mom."

Helen Hart gave her son a look before her gaze shifted to Patricia then down to their joined hands.

One perfectly shaped eyebrow lifted.

"And?" she prompted.

Lucas swallowed. "Mom, this is Patricia."

Patricia straightened instinctively. "Hello."

"My girlfriend," Lucas added quickly.

Patricia’s head snapped toward him.

Girlfriend?

Helen blinked once then she smiled.

"Oh," she said. "Finally."

Lucas froze. "Finally?"

"You didn’t tell me you were seeing someone," Helen continued, studying Patricia with interest. "She is very pretty. And she looks like she has opinions."

Patricia blinked. "I do."

Helen nodded approvingly. "Good."

Evelyn let out a quiet laugh.

Alexander leaned closer to her. "This is better than coffee."

Helen’s attention shifted then to Alexander.

Recognition flickered immediately. "Alexander Reid."

Alexander stood politely. "Mrs. Hart."

She smiled faintly. "You look well. Despite everything."

He inclined his head. "Thank you."

"And this must be—" her gaze slid to Evelyn.

"My fiancée," Alexander said smoothly, reaching for Evelyn’s hand. "Evelyn Carter."

Evelyn smiled warmly. "It’s nice to meet you."

Helen gave her a nod before turning back to Patricia. "So, how long have you two been together?"

Patricia hesitated and Lucas squeezed her hand again.

"Long enough," Patricia said diplomatically.

Helen hummed. "Interesting."

Evelyn leaned toward Patricia and whispered, "You are doing great."

Patricia whispered back, "I am lying through my teeth."

Alexander added quietly, "Proud of you."

Helen finally stepped back. "Well," she said, "I won’t interrupt your plans. But Lucas—call me later."

"Yes, Mom."

She paused, glanced at Patricia once more. "Take care of him, he is difficult."

Patricia smiled sweetly. "I can tell."

Helen walked away.

The moment she disappeared, Lucas collapsed back into his chair. "I owe you everything."

Patricia yanked her hand back. "You owe me coffee, cake and an explanation."

Evelyn laughed outright. "That was incredible."

Alexander nodded. "Truly."

Lucas buried his face in his hands. "I can’t believe that worked."

Patricia crossed her arms. "Next time you grab my hand like that, I am charging."

He looked up. "Worth it."

She rolled her eyes but she was smiling.

....