Carla sensed something off the moment she stepped into the eatery. It felt unusually empty for a Friday night, the lighting was dimmed far beyond comfort, and the maîtres grin was almost theatrical. Pedro, meanwhile, was his usual selfhis intertwined fingers with hers trembled ever so slightly.
Your table, announced the maître, pulling a chair back, and Carla found herself at the entrance of a tiny VIP room. Hundreds of candles flickered in the darkness, casting grotesque shadows across an immaculate white tablecloth. In the centre stood a vase of deepred rosesher favorite. A soft melody drifted in the background.
Pedro, Carla exclaimed, whats happening? He didnt answer; instead he dropped to one knee. A ring glinted on his shaky hand. Carla Ferreira, he said solemnly, Ive thought a lot about making this moment special. Then I realizednothing else matters. Will you be my wife?
She stared at his visibly moved face, a stubborn lock of hair falling over his brow, his shy smile, and felt her heart swell with an indescribable tenderness. Yes, she whispered. Absolutely!
The band slipped onto her finger. Carla wrapped her arms around Pedro, inhaling the familiar scent of his cologne, and thoughthere lies happiness, plain and bright as a sunny day. Yet a week later their calm was shaken for the first time.
How could you plan it alone? scolded Dona Rosa, fussing with her perfect hair. No way! A wedding is serious business; it needs female experience, wisdom. Ive already picked a wonderful restaurant
Mom, Pedro interjected gently, we appreciate your help, but we want to organize everything ourselves. By yourselves? Dona Rosa raised her hands. You dont understand a thing! Look at Filipa, my niece
Carla watched in silence as her future motherinlaw paced the living room of their apartment. Dona Rosa babbled nonstop about traditions, customs, about not making a mess. Between sentences she shot quick glances at the décor, as if deciding what needed changing.
Mom, Pedro tried again, weve already chosen a restaurant. White Acacia, you know? Dona Rosa made a grimace, as if suffering a toothache. White Acacia? That new place? No, no, only Empire! The lights, the setting! And the manager is an old friend of mine
Mom, Pedros tone hardened, were paying for the wedding and well celebrate wherever we want. Dona Rosa fell silent, pressed her lips together, lifted her chin: Fine, do as you wish. Just dont later say I didnt warn you.
She left, trailing an expensive perfume and a sense of an approaching storm. Sorry, Pedro smiled, hugging Carla. Shes a bit enthusiastic. Carla stayed quiet, an inner voice whispering that this was only the beginning.
And indeed it was. In the weeks that followed a relentless stream of arguments, insinuations and veiled complaints began. Dona Rosa found faults in everythingfrom the flowers to the table layout. Pink peonies? In September? No, only white lilies! The arch must be flashier. And the musicians God, are you serious? I know a wonderful quartet from the conservatory
Carla endured with all her strength, leaning on her mothers steady calm, Dona Maria. Dont take it seriously, she told her daughter after another round of the wedding battles. Youre the bride; decide what you want. Your mother-inlaw just cant admit her son has grown up.
The real tempest erupted over the cake. Look at this! Dona Rosa waved a bakery catalogue. Three layers? Where are the sugar flowers? Where are the figurines of the couple? Mom, Pedro sighed, we want a simple, elegant cake. No fuss.
Simple? Dona Rosas voice tightened. Do you want to embarrass me in front of the town? People will sayson of a renowned architect, but the cake looks like a cafeteria dessert!
Carla could no longer hold back. Dona Rosa, lets be frank. This wedding is ours, not yours. A heavy silence fell. Dona Rosas complexion turned pale, then flushed, and she rose abruptly. Very well, she said, I see Im unnecessary here. Do whatever you like!
She slammed the door so hard the windows shivered. See, shes upset, Pedro sighed. Carla remained silent, uneasy. Two days later the storm broke. In the bridal boutique, Carla inadvertently overheard the managers phone call: Yes, Dona Rosa, your dress will be ready on time. A wonderful shadealmost the same as the brides
Everything darkened for Carla. She left the boutique, abandoning the fitting, fingers trembling, and called her mother. Mom, she whispered, voice near tears, she wants to ruin everything She bought a dress identical to mine
Calm down, Dona Marias voice sounded oddly firm. Dont cry, dear. Ill handle it. How? Carla sobbed. Just trust me and dont worry about a thing.
The call ended. Carla stood on the street, feeling hopelessness swell within her. Three days remained until the wedding, and she no longer knew if she wanted the celebration. The morning of the ceremony began with rain. Carla watched droplets race down the window, trying to steady the tremor in her legs.
Behind her, the makeup artist and hairdresser worked, their voices distant. Carla, dont move, the hairdresser complained, trying for the third time to tame a stubborn curl. Thats better
Carla stayed frozen, thinking only of what dress Dona Rosa would wear today. Would she really dare? Girl! Dona Maria entered the room. Let me see you. Carla turned. Her mother stopped, hands to her face: My God, you look beautiful!
Mom, Carla met her worried gaze, did you do something? Dona Maria only smiled enigmatically: Dont worry. This is your day, and no one will spoil it.
At the registry, nerves made Carla almost lose awareness. Emotions spun like a carouselsolemn music, the officials steady voice, Pedros radiant eyes, camera flashes. The ring hesitated to slide onfingers shookbut finally settled.
I now pronounce you husband and wife! The first kiss, under their new titles, felt slightly awkwardCarla kept scanning the guests for a lightcream dress. But Dona Rosa was nowhere to be seen.
Shes heading straight to the restaurant, Pedro whispered, reading her thoughts. She said something about her hair Carla merely nodded. Inside, tension rose.
At the restaurant they were greeted with applause. White Acacia exceeded every expectationwhite linens, crystal chandeliers, a sea of flowers. For a moment Carla forgot her anxieties; everything was stunning. Guests took their seats, waiters glided with champagne.
Seated beside Pedro, Carla automatically returned greetings and kept glancing out the window. Suddenly a black Mercedes rolled in. Carla squeezed Pedros hand. Look
Dona Rosa emerged, flamboyantly, dressed in a cream gown adorned with sequins, almost identical to the brides.
See that Pedro murmured.
Before she could take a few steps, a young waiter rushed in with a tray, colliding with her. A darkred sauce spilled over her immaculate, light fabric.
Oh, Im sorry! the waiter stammered, trying to dab the stain with a napkin. What a disastercherry sauce how inconvenient!
Dona Rosa froze like a statue of salt. Her face displayed a cascade of emotions, prompting Carla to look away.
Ill be right back, the motherinlaw whispered.
She hurried back to the car. Carla glanced at Dona Maria, who calmly adjusted the table flowers, a faint smile playing at her lips.
You know, Pedro said suddenly, Im actually glad this happened. Carla looked at him, amazed.
He offered a halfsad smile: I see how she behavesalways wanting to command, control everything. Even now she tries to outshine everyone. Pedro he continued, earnest, Im tired of it. Of her constant meddling, of deciding my life for me.
Carla nestled against his shoulder. Outside, rain fell gently, yet she suddenly felt oddly at peace.
Dona Rosa never returned to the celebration, but the newlyweds danced, laughed, accepted congratulations, and were completely happy. As for the motherinlaws dress sometimes fate puts everything where it belongs, even if it takes a splash of cherry sauce, a clumsy waiter, and the brides mother to do it.
