22 Let You Go (1/2)
When Lyra arrived at the lavish garden with Rose for the morning ceremony, they didn't expect so many guests to be present when the event wasn't going to take place until another two hours or so. However, they were all busy and about chatting with one another and sampling the wide variety of refreshments laid out in the open of the outdoor venue.
Large vases of pink and white flowers stationed across the open area only added to the splendor of the site which already boasted full and fruitful orange and century-old olive trees. Anyone could tell that just the extra decorative flowers alone must have costed a fortune.
Rows of lavender and green lawn surrounded the columns of white chairs facing the iconic Italian rotunda where the bride and groom were to exchange vows. To boost, the weather that day was absolutely gorgeous for July which only added to the warm and loving ambience of the entire venue.
The grandeur of the site that day wasn't something easy to replicate even if you had money; thus, those who came early ended up notifying their friends to join and admire the view with them. Every corner of the flower garden had people taking photos and snapping selfies nonstop. There was even a free photoshoot session where there was a line waiting already.
Lyra and Rose visited the site the previous day to check off on the flower arrangements and had already taken enough pictures so they simply toured the area, making sure everything was in order.
Angela's best friend Gracie was named Maid of Honor so as the sister, Lyra only had to worry about the floral decorations and tying up any loose ends. Originally, the younger twin was granted the honor, but Gracie really wanted it and Angela couldn't say no. But upon consideration of the current situation, that setup was actually better.
After all, touring and admiring the nature with Rose was much more relaxing than sticking by the bride and being the point person for the guests. Plus, resigning from the role also spared Lyra the responsibility to serve as messenger between the couple. That is, saving her further contact with the groom.
”Is that you Rose?” some random guest called from a distance before jogging to where the two girls were standing. Rose recognized him and greeted him with a bro-hug before confirming with Lyra that it was okay to catch up with her old friend.
Left alone, Lyra scooted over to the snack bar where a few other solo individuals were shamelessly stuffing their stomachs with the elegant small bites that you'd find being served for high tea. Not only that, some were feeding their handbags with the tiny special-order cupcakes and finger snacks.
”Is that you Angela? Congratulations!” Lyra got more than a handful of times. She got equally as many hugs too.
And each time, she had to clarify that the bride was still in her bridal suite and won't make an appearance before the groom does. Despite the numbers, Lyra recognized none of them and she reckoned Angela just invited them because they were either recent acquaintances or fellow design majors and fashion bloggers.
”Lyra Cades?” a male voice called before the girl turned to see a long-lost face that looked all too familiar.
He still had his signature short red hair that contrasted his round blue eyes, and though now growing a stubble, the same ”boy-next-door” smile sat on his lively countenance.
”Dev Andrews?” Lyra asked in pleasant surprise and they both made their ways to each other. ”Is that really you?”
Her eighteen-year ex-neighbor nodded his head. ”In the flesh.”
”I can't believe it!” Lyra exclaimed, throwing her hands around the brother-like figure she had growing up. In the old days, all three of them would run around in each other's yards, go to the park on the weekends, hang out after school, and basically do everything together.
They were so close back then. Even though he was Angela's first boyfriend, he was still Lyra's good friend before he moved out of state for college. Seeing him wiped her mind completely clear of all the stress from the entire week.
”Flowers are lovely,” he complimented, knowing full well she took over the shop and the arrangements for the event. ”You doing well?” Dev was the same as always, bright-eyed and friendly.
Lyra nodded, still shocked from bumping into him. ”When did Angela invite you? Why didn't she tell me you were coming?”
Dev shrugged. ”I was surprised too! Didn't expect her be settling down so soon,” he said, voice softening at the last word. The slightly older version of her good friend turned his head to look around. ”I tried looking for some of our old high school classmates but gave up. I don't really know anyone here,” he commented. ”Mind if I join you?”
”I was just going to ask the same!” Lyra said, unable to hide her smile at finding an actual friend beside Rose who was stuck entertaining a few more new faces.
They walked over and sat down near the front seats to catch up.
”So…how's the groom? Heard he's a big-shot?” Dev said, lifting his head in the direction of all the celebrities huddled around.
”He's something alright,” Lyra said, folding her hands and placing them on her lap while playing with the corsage on her left hand.
”Does he treat Angie well?” Dev asked more specifically.
”Very well,” Lyra admitted.
”That's good…” he said when he noticed that everyone was parting way for somebody while others were moving into their seats. ”That him?”
A handsome man in a dark tailored tux took the attendees by storm when he made his way down the aisle. When he turned, all eyes were on him and he gave a charismatic smirk as some of his groomsman hollered and whistled. The groom raised a glass and dipped his head slightly before downing it in one go.
Although Angela was the PR person, Kurtis could hold his own if he didn't obsess over keeping a low-profile most of the time. The guests seemed excited and pleased to see him make an appearance to thank them for coming even before the wedding.
But before anyone could come over to engage in conversation, his nature green eyes fell on the female guest sitting in the front row with a male guest. He directed a separate nod solely to her before going back to get ready.
Dev had to call Lyra's name a few times before she snapped back into present time and continued to talk. Apparently her old neighbor was now a programmer for a well-known company and had relocated in Korea. He flew back specifically to attend the wedding and was set to return in a few days.
Catching up really passed the time and before they were aware, the groom already made his way to the rotunda with the groomsman right behind. The crowd grew quiet as all eyes befell the show-stopping bride, white-clad in an Ivanna Selene's designer bridal gown. They rose in unison, hypnotized by her beauty.
Angela's steps were graceful like a dancer but firm like an actress as she made her way down the pinkish white petal-filled aisle leading to the groom. She was holding onto Gracie who stood in place of her father, but the maid of honor was barely noticeable standing next to the bride. The bride truly lived up to the expectation and left everyone breathless from the start of her walk to reaching the groom.
This time it was Lyra who had to call Dev's name and return him back to the moment when it was time to sit. He still seemed to fall into a daze whenever he looked at Angela.