22 Let You Go

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.

'How ironic,' Lyra thought. Though she and her twin were identical, they were so different. Lyra was pretty at best, but Angela could stop any man in his tracks any day and at any given time.

There were many models and celebrities among the audience, but none could really hold a candle to Kurtis except the woman standing across from him and holding his hand.

One was an heir to a multi-billion corporation and a self-established pro racer. The other was a breakout designer and recognized fashion blogger. It was a match no one dared to object.

Some time without her knowing, Rose slipped into the reserved seat Lyra held for her. When it was time for the vows, Rose held out her hand for Lyra who gladly took it.

When the happy couple were exchanging rings, something caused Lyra to glance over at Dev. He seemed lacking in his usual enthusiasm and upon seeing his expression towards the bride, she understood. Coincidentally around the same time, the hand around hers tightened and Lyra turned to Rose who was unnaturally quiet. She followed her subtle gaze and traced it back to the CEO of WE who sat some seats away and was holding the hand of a younger woman.

For the longest time, Lyra was struggling with her emotions. Today, she realized that she wasn't the only one faced with such an unfair battle. But they were handling it differently.

In a second, Dev sat a little straighter to hear the anticipated announcement while Rose did the same, leaning closer towards the altar area and devoting her full attention.

Though they had a flash of sadness, a much more powerful wave of genuine happiness washed over them when they saw the expressions of the bride and groom. Seeing them so in love, it made it impossible to lose hope in the very thing compromising their happiness.

Lyra drew strength from that as she cleared her own mind to dedicate that special moment to her beloved sister and new family.

With that new mindset, she too sat a little straighter, lifted her head, and for the first time, sincerely looked at Angela and Kurtis without judgment or self-guilt.

"And I now pronounce you, husband and wife," the man announced before the groom swept his bride in for a passionate kiss, sealing the pact.

As the crowds cheered and applauded, Lyra found herself crying, but with a surprisingly natural smile from the heart.

......

It wasn't until a week later when everything settled down did Angela and Kurtis asked to meet up with Lyra and Rose. The newly weds wanted to share their upcoming plans of traveling to Asia and then Australia for their honeymoon.

But they weren't the only ones with plans.

"You what?" Angela asked in shock.

Lyra already expected her sister to react that way so she repeated it again.

"I want a fresh start. I'm going to France to finish my education. Rose will be handling the business for me until then." The girl picked up her cup and took a sip of tea before producing a most magnificent smile.

"But it's dangerous going alone! Have you thought it out?" Angela exclaimed with disapproval.

"I'm flying tomorrow night," her younger sister stated with the full support of Rose who was beside her.

"For how long?"

"Two years."

Angela turned to her husband for some assistance on the topic.

"Two years is a long time," he said. "Why not stay here and attend the same university as Rose?"

Lyra shook her head. "I decided already. Please don't try to change my mind."

There was something different about her. Her warm brown eyes seemed slightly colder, but also brighter. She was assertive, but not on the defense or offense. She was simply stating her decision. If she was this determined, it was useless trying to change her mind.

"Lyra, going to school and staying abroad will be expensive. Have you figured that out already? Can't you stay a little longer so we can talk this through?" Angela protested but to no avail. Then she switched gears to plan for her stay instead. "Living expenses are already expensive. At least let us help pay your tuition," the concerned older sister offered.

As tempting as that sounded, Lyra politely rejected.

That night, her sister and brother-in-law called to offer her a ride to the airport, but kept on getting the message that the line didn't exist, much to their concern. When they phoned the shop, Rose picked up and was more than eager to drop the surprise.

"Just missed her," she said, looking at her watch and grinning. "Lyra is already on the plane!"

...….

Looking out from the window seat, Lyra stared into the pitch darkness with one thought on her mind.

[Kurtis Wellington, I'm going to let you go now.]

And nothing felt more right.