14 Emergency

Since that night, Lyra hadn't seen or heard from Kurtis. However, the proposed business plans were proceeding smoothly. With the help of new employees and the new contracted delivery group, Lyra and Rose simply oversaw management. Things were finally falling into place and Lyra could enjoy some free time until she got an unexpected call one fine morning.

Rose was at school and Lyra just rushed a last minute order and was about to buy lunch when she received a call from her twin.

"Ly! There's an emergency and I need you to come quickly. I'm at XXX Chestnut Street Suite XX," the caller said before hanging up, not even waiting for a response.

Lyra fumbled with her florist apron before yanking it off and rummaging the counter for her car keys. Grabbing her jacket off the rack, she dashed out of the shop and to the car.

Upon arriving at the destination in less than half and hour even though she came almost half way across town, Lyra ran across the street while she searched the area, her eyes darting back and forth, for her clone.

"Lyra~ Over here!" a familiar jubilant voice called from around the corner.

The other twin who just got here steadied her previous run into a walk. She approached her sister with caution, not expecting another guest.

"OMG you're right Angie! You two look exactly the same!" the male friend looked from one girl to the other. "Like I have other twin friends, but you two are like…a carbon copy of each other. Even your hair."

Angela laughed and agreed with her buddy while Lyra stood, still breathing heavily from rushing here in worry because her sister didn't pick up the phone no matter how many times she dialed her while driving.

"Nice meeting you Angela #2," he waved before opening the door to the passenger seat of Angela's car.

When the acquaintance was out of hearing distance, Lyra sent a death glare at Angela.

"What's the meaning of this? Emergency? Why didn't you pick up your phone? Do you know how worried I was?"

"I know I know. I should've picked up, but this is an emergency!" Angela said, using hand gestures to emphasize her sincerity.

The younger Cades wasn't buying it. Folding her arms across her chest and tapping her foot on the pavement, she expected a good explanation.

"Ok…so…this super SUPER famous designer from Milan has a stopover flight and since he was here, he called me up saying that he was interested in my work and wanted to meet up. He's flying back to Italy in a few hours so I have to head to the airport to see him like right NOW."

That explained the humongous smile on Angela's face and the glow she was emitting.

"Then why am I here?" Lyra asked, not really wanting to find out.

"You see…I have a bridal gown fitting today and-"

"No way."

Lyra turned on her heel and unlocked her car.

"LYRA! PLEASE!!!" Angela yelled, chasing after the twin before successfully latching onto her wrist. "The designer for my wedding gown is very popular. She's so hard to book and rarely personally meets with the clients directly. Plus, she doesn't sell the dress to just anyone! She only sells it to those who wear it the way she wants it to look."

The unengaged sister squinted at her whiny twin. "So?"

Angela shook her sister's arm as she continued to plead. "I've always dreamed to have her design my dress and she only agreed after Kurtis pulled a few strings. I waited a whole month before she even called me back and now that she's made a dress, she wants me to try it. I already rescheduled with her twice and I'm sure she's not going to give me the dress if I postpone another time."

"Then just stay and try the dress," Lyra stated. "Tell Milan you can't make it."

"NO! It's too big of an opportunity to miss. Can't you please just be me and try on the dress? You'll be done in an hour. Please I beg you!" Angela implored with desperation in her voice. "This means the world to me!"

"I can't Angie. I'm sorry." Lyra was firm. She promised herself that she wouldn't do this again.

"Come on hon! We're gonna be late," the male friend called out before slamming the door and going back on his phone.

Angela glanced at her watch before sending a slightly resentful look at her twin.

"I'm going to the airport either way. And it's fine. I'll just wear whatever to my wedding if I can't get it from Ivanna Selené," she said before jogging to her car and driving away, leaving Lyra standing idly in front of the bridal store.

Ivanna Selené was one of the handful of fashion designer names that Lyra could actually remember. Ever since they were kids, Angela had been a fan of Selené's style and was infatuated with her bridal collection because they were extremely unique. The world-class designer created her dresses only after filtering out and hand-selecting her clients.

To be one of the lucky brides wearing a Selenè gown was Angela's wish come true growing up. And now, the wish would have to be kissed forever goodbye unless "Angela" somehow showed up on time for the appointment.

Lyra looked at the grand stairway leading to the store entrance and was captivated by the stunning bridal gowns on display. If she was correct, those dresses were only meant to be admired and never tried on or to be sold. That's what made Selenè's pieces so coveted. You can be loaded, but still can't buy a dress unless approved by the designer herself.

[I can't try on Angela's wedding dress for her…] Lyra finally concluded. This was her sister's responsibility. It was part of a bride's duty and not meant to be completed by a stand-in.

So she turned around to leave, only to be stopped in her tracks.

"Ms. Cades?" a female voice called as Lyra spotted the receptionist run out. "Just in time! Ms. Ivanna is expecting you!"

At the end, Lyra couldn't bear to be the one flushing Angela's dream wedding down the drain. So with heavy footsteps, she climbed the white granite stairs.

Walking into the shop, she was greeted with a pleasant floral scent coming from the fresh orchids and roses placed as the centerpiece of the entirely white halls and walls. As the receptionist guided her further into the bridal suite, Lyra couldn't help but fall in love with the unique architecture of the building, particularly the octagon room she was assigned.

There were beautiful plants sitting on laminated pedestals around the sides of the room which made it seem more like a photoshoot set than a fitting room. In the center, a circular platform was placed for the bride to stand upon. The room was spacious with a high ceiling, adding to the overall grandeur of the suite. No wonder everyone dreams of booking an appointment here.

Lyra sighed as two other ladies, who introduced themselves as her dressing assistants, carried out a long white flare gown with a plunging V-neck.

[I hope it fits…] the younger sister prayed before stripping.

Fortunately, it did. By the time Lyra walked out and stood on the elevated podium for the assistants to straighten out the dress, an older elegant woman walked in.

Dressed in a black body con dress with mid-length flare sleeves paired with glossy red heels, there was no mistaking her as anything other than a fashionista. But by the way she walked in with so much style and grace, there was no mistaking that she was the famous Ivanna Selenè.

"Ms. Ivanna, this looks perfect!" one of the dressers praised.

"It fits perfectly also!" the other echoed.

Ivanna didn't say a word, only looked at Lyra up and down. The unreadable expression on their idol's face worried the assistants for the great designer often produced a satisfied smile after each of her works have been tried on.

However this one hadn't earned the same reaction.

The sound of clicking heels accompanied the silence that filled the room as the perfectionist circled around Lyra. The nitpicky designer would place her hand to her lip each time she stopped before walking to another angle and do the same thing.

"What do you think Ms. Ivanna?" the dressers asked in sync.

"It's perfect, but…" The woman finally stopped circling and looked the "bride-to-be" straight in the eye. "…absolutely not at the same time."

Lyra went stiff as a queen's guard. [Did she see through me?]

"Good thing I have a second opinion today," she commented more to herself than to the others. The refined lady walked towards one of the side doors and opened it, beckoning whoever was there to come in.

And against all of Lyra's prayers, her fears had been answered for the man who walked into the room was none other than the groom.