Edward Gluskin

Edward Gluskin hummed softly to himself as he moved through his bridal shop, his fingers gently brushing over the fine lace of a gown hanging delicately on the rack. Each dress, each suit, each intricate piece of bridal perfection—he had handcrafted them all. There was a quiet satisfaction in knowing every seam, every thread had passed through his hands. This shop, his sanctuary, reflected the care and obsession he poured into his work. He loved it here, amidst the satin, the pearls, the fabrics that whispered promises of everlasting love. A love he believed would be his, once the right woman crossed his path.

He smiled as he straightened the collar of a freshly pressed groom suit, his mind wandering briefly to his own future, the vision of his perfect bride. She’d be graceful, delicate, beautiful. Someone worthy of his devotion. She’d wear one of his gowns, of course. He would make sure everything was flawless, right down to the veil she’d lift on their wedding day.

Gluskin wiped down the racks with care, ensuring every inch of his shop was spotless. He liked it this way, immaculate and in perfect order—just as his future life would be. There was no room for mess, for imperfection, for rejection. His jaw tightened slightly at the thought of the last woman who had come into his life and dared to dismiss his affection. She had been lovely, but she hadn’t understood him. She... hadn't loved him back. But he was patient. He knew there was someone out there who would.

The soft chime of the doorbell broke his thoughts, pulling him out of his reverie. His heart quickened slightly with anticipation. Edward set down the cleaning cloth, smoothing down his tailored vest as he turned toward the front of the shop. The light filtering in through the display windows seemed brighter today, more inviting. He allowed himself a small smile as he walked toward the entrance, his mind already imagining the possibilities of who might be standing there.

"Ah, someone new..." he murmured under his breath, his polished shoes clicking against the floor as he approached the door.

As he entered the main showroom, his piercing blue eyes scanned the space, searching for the woman who had stepped into his world. Would she be the one? The thought sent a thrill through him. He could already picture her standing before one of his mirrors, twirling in one of his creations, the future stretching out before them like a perfectly laid plan.

Edward’s smile grew wider as he stepped forward, his voice smooth and welcoming, but with that unmistakable undercurrent of something more. "Good afternoon," he said, his eyes lingering a little too long as he looked for her. "Welcome to my shop. Can I help you find the dress of your dreams?"

Eddie hummed softly, his fingers tapping rhythmically against the polished wood of his desk as the wedding march looped endlessly through his mind. It was a haunting melody now, taunting him with the future he was so desperate to grasp. His gaze, distant yet focused, flickered to the delicate sketches of gowns spread out before him—each one designed with care, with love, with the hope that one day, one of these would adorn his bride.

It didn’t matter to Eddie if they were a man, a woman, or fluid. It didn’t matter at all, as long as they were his. His Bride. Someone who would stand by him, perfect in every way, someone who understood the depth of his devotion. He could feel his chest tighten with longing, the need for connection gnawing at him like an insatiable hunger. His lips curled into a soft smile, though there was nothing gentle behind it. No... there was something far more insistent, far more consuming beneath the surface.

As his thoughts drifted, memories of the last few potentials crossed his mind, and his smile faltered. Clicking his tongue in mild annoyance, Eddie leaned back in his chair, eyes narrowing. They had all failed him—such a disappointment, really. He had given them chances, and they had squandered them. One after the other, none of them had deserved the love he had so carefully prepared. The work it had taken to ensure they would never be found again... well, it had been exhausting, but necessary. The thought sent a small shiver of satisfaction through him. He’d been thorough, as always.

But it was such a shame, wasn’t it? None of them had been worthy. None had understood what it meant to be his perfect partner, his other half. Eddie sighed softly, running a hand over the edges of the papers scattered across his desk. When would the next one come? The one who could fulfill his dreams?

His mind wandered to a sweeter place—daydreams of children, their laughter echoing through his home. He could picture it so clearly, a small army of little ones, all dressed neatly in clothes he would design himself. They would look up to him, their father, their perfect father, who would love them with all his heart. He smiled dreamily, his thoughts so full of warmth it almost felt real. He would raise them right, far better than his own father had ever done for him. They would have a family full of love and care, the kind of family he had always dreamed of having.

A sigh escaped his lips, almost wistful. When would his bride finally appear? When would he finally have what he deserved?

Eddie’s fingers drummed the desk again, his eyes glazed with the same old longing. "Soon," he whispered to himself, his voice barely audible, but filled with quiet determination. "Soon, my bride will come."

Eddie stood in the shadows across the street, his sharp blue eyes fixed on the house bathed in pale moonlight. The night was quiet, the street deserted save for him, and the familiar hum of the wedding march rolled off his lips as he watched. His heart beat a little faster, the excitement building inside him like a fire he could barely contain. This one—this potential bride—had been perfect.

He could still picture them from earlier that day. They’d walked into his shop, their eyes lighting up as they marveled at the suits and dresses on display, talking animatedly about love and romance, practically radiating with the joy of it all. Eddie had been entranced. Gorgeous, lovely, and so full of life. It had been all he could do to keep his demeanor calm and professional while his mind raced with possibilities. He had smiled, listened intently, even offered suggestions for their “special day,” all the while imagining how they would look walking down the aisle to him.

The only downside, of course, was the partner. Always a partner. Eddie’s smile faltered at the thought. It was such a minor inconvenience, really. These people... they always got caught up in the wrong thing. Love wasn’t about who came first; it was about who was meant to be. And Eddie knew he was meant to be the one. Soulmates, after all, were inevitable. He just had to convince them. Or better yet, help them see the truth by removing the obstacle standing in their way.

His hand slid into his pocket, fingers curling around the camera he had brought with him. It was time to begin. Humming the wedding march again, quieter now but more manic, Eddie crossed the street in long, purposeful strides. He reached the house, his heart racing with anticipation, and slipped around the side toward the backyard. The shadows swallowed him up, and he moved with practiced ease, careful not to make a sound.

His humming faded to a whisper as he raised the camera to his eye, snapping a few photos through the back window. His potential bride was inside, sitting in the living room, completely unaware of his presence. Eddie smiled, feeling the rush of control wash over him. They looked so peaceful, so... perfect. If only they knew how much he loved them already, how much he was willing to do for them.

And that partner? Eddie’s smile widened, his fingers tightening around the camera. Soon, they wouldn’t be a problem. Soon, his bride would realize who they truly belonged to.

He stepped closer to the window, watching, waiting. His breath quickened, the hum of the wedding march barely a whisper now, but it thrummed through his veins, pushing him forward. Soon... soon.