Once the Fiancé, Now the Bride (6/12)

Gabi nervously adjusted the sleek black bodice that hugged her torso, the intricate lacing at the back pulling her waist in and leaving most of her smooth, porcelain skin on display. The fabric flowed dramatically from her hips, with panels of sheer material draping down the front and back like teasing curtains, revealing her toned legs with every step. The ensemble was daring—borderline scandalous—and paired with sky-high black stilettos that only added to the effect. Kat and Lucy had gleefully chosen it for her, insisting it was the perfect look for tonight.

Her makeup had taken nearly an hour, with Gabi painstakingly following the detailed instructions Lucy had left on the counter. Smokey eyes with just the right amount of shimmer, a bold red lip that made her pouty mouth pop, and flawlessly blended contour that accentuated her softened features. The final touch had been her nails—painted a glossy crimson to match her lips, each stroke of polish a cruel reminder of how deeply she was trapped in this new identity.

Now, standing in the kitchen, Gabi was finishing the table settings. The lights were dimmed, the room bathed in a soft, romantic glow. She arranged the silverware with precision, the sharp clack of her heels echoing against the hardwood floors as she moved. Once the last fork was in place, she leaned over the table to light the candles, her manicured fingers steady as she worked. The soft flicker of the flames illuminated her flawlessly made-up face and the dramatic ensemble she’d been forced to wear, casting her in a light that was both beautiful and humiliating.

The sound of the front door opening made her perk up. Her heart raced as she glanced toward the entryway, a practiced smile spreading across her crimson lips. She shifted her weight slightly, lifting one leg in a poised, elegant manner, her stiletto catching the light as she struck the kind of alluring pose Kat and Lucy had drilled into her.

“Welcome home, Miss Kat, Miss Lucy,” she cooed in a voice that dripped with sweetness, her eyes sparkling as she turned to greet them.

But instead of the smug faces of her tormentors, Gabi was met with the wide-eyed expression of… Emily.

“E-Emily?!” Gabi gasped, panic flashing in her wide eyes. “W-why are you back so early?” she stammered, her voice trembling. Before Emily could answer, she blurted, “I—I can explain!” She tried to force her voice lower, but weeks of training had left it breathy and soft, betraying her desperation.

Emily’s eyes darted from Gabi’s face to her figure, taking in the scandalous ensemble, the makeup, the heels, and the unnervingly feminine posture.

Finally, she managed to whisper, “Tom? That’s… actually you? I didn’t believe them…”

Before Gabi could respond, two familiar figures appeared behind Emily, their smug faces framed by the open doorway. Kat was the first to step forward, her arms crossed but her smile warm and reassuring, while Lucy lingered just behind, her grin widening as she caught Gabi’s horrified gaze.

“Don’t worry, Gabi,” Lucy said sweetly, resting a hand lightly on Emily’s shoulder. “We’ve already explained everything to her. How you came to us, struggling with who you really were. How you said you’d always felt like you were really a Gabriella deep down, just waiting to come out. How you asked us to help you finally bring her to life.”

Kat leaned casually against the doorframe, her expression softening as she chimed in. “And we told her how much it’s meant to you. Once we got started, you couldn’t get enough. After seeing how pretty you could be, you loved every moment—shopping at the mall, strutting in heels, getting your nails done at the salon. It’s been so amazing watching you come out of your shell.”

“Wait… Emily… please…” Gabi stammered, each word coming out in the soft, feminine voice she’d been forced to perfect. She winced, desperately trying to force the tone deeper, to reclaim some semblance of her old masculine voice. “That’s not t—”

“Tom… err, Gabi,” Emily said hesitantly, holding up a hand to stop her. Her voice was soft, uncertain. “You clearly look… happy like this. I don’t know if this is who you’ve always been, or if this is something you’ve only just discovered, but…” She paused, her expression torn. “I’m not sure I’m into… women. I just need time to think. Could you… leave for a while?”

Gabi opened her mouth to speak, but before she could respond, Kat was already stepping forward. “Come along, dear,” she said smoothly, wrapping a hand around Gabi’s wrist and giving her a gentle tug. “Let’s give Emily the space she needs, okay?”

Lucy gave a reassuring smile to Emily as she moved toward the stairs. “I’ll grab Gabi’s things for her. You don’t have to worry about a thing.”

Emily nodded faintly, her expression still conflicted as she stayed rooted in the doorway, watching as Gabi was ushered outside.

“Come on, Gabi,” Kat said brightly, leading her toward the waiting car. “You’re coming with us for now.”

Gabi glanced back toward the house, but the door had already clicked shut behind her.