The soft Parisian morning drifted through the sheer curtains of Ayra's room, filling it with a hazy golden warmth. Light settled on the scattered fabric swatches, the dried floral samples, and the engagement dress sketch pinned to the mood board — a design born from her dreams and brought to life with Selene's skillful hand.
Ayra stood by the mirror in her robe, her eyes flicking between her reflection and the fabric draped over the mannequin. The bridesmaid dress Selene had designed for herself shimmered nearby — a deep mauve gown with delicate lace sleeves and a flowing back trail. It was effortlessly graceful, just like Selene.
> "You really outdid yourself," Ayra said softly, watching Selene pin the final bead onto the neckline of her engagement gown — an ethereal ivory dress with soft blush undertones, cinched at the waist with romantic embroidery and a pearl trail cascading down the back.
Selene turned, smiling.
> "It was your idea. I just gave it bones."
They shared a quiet moment of warmth. Then Selene added with a mischievous glint:
> "You think Eliot's going to cry when he sees you?"
Ayra blinked. "Cry? He might faint."
Selene grinned. "Then I'll have the smelling salts ready."
Later That Day – At Antonio & Selene's Mansion
Antonio walked in with Eliot, both carrying a set of outfit bags and an air of barely-contained excitement. Eliot was mid-complaint about his tie when Antonio caught sight of Selene's gown on the rack.
> "You'll look like the main character," he told Selene with a smirk.
> "I am the main character," she tossed back, lifting an eyebrow.
> "Then what does that make Ayra?" Eliot quipped.
> "A fairytale bride," Antonio said simply, clapping Eliot on the back. "And you, my friend, are the luckiest man alive."
Eliot looked over at Ayra, now entering in a soft robe with pins still in her hair.
> "You really did all this?" he asked, taking in the room — the organized chaos of dresses, mood boards, champagne glasses, and open jewelry boxes.
Ayra nodded with a small smile.
> "With help, of course."
Selene handed him a charcoal grey suit with intricate gold detailing on the collar and sleeves.
> "This one's yours. We tailored it to highlight your frame — Ayra's call."
> "I'm doomed," Eliot murmured, shaking his head. "I'm not going to make it through the ceremony without falling apart."
> "You'll be fine," Antonio grinned. "But if you faint, I get to marry Ayra."
Eliot gave him a deadpan look. "Try me."
At the Boutique – Mira and Amara Join In
Mira arrived first, her dress draped over her shoulder — a deep sapphire gown with a sweetheart neckline and shimmery accents. Amara followed in a forest green satin dress with a tasteful thigh slit and an off-shoulder drape.
> "If we don't cause a scandal tomorrow," Mira teased, "we're not doing it right."
> "Please," Amara added, spinning slightly in her gown. "Let Ayra have the spotlight. I'll settle for best-dressed bridesmaid."
They circled Ayra, pulling her into a group hug.
> "You're glowing," Mira whispered. "We're so proud of you."
> "You're finally stepping into a life that's all yours," Amara added. "You deserve every bit of it."
The Night Before the Engagement
That evening, Antonio's and Selene's mansion glowed softly with fairy lights as everyone prepared for the big day. Outside on the balcony, Eliot and Ayra stood wrapped in a blanket, sharing coffee as the cool wind wrapped around them.
> "Nervous?" Eliot asked.
Ayra tilted her head against his shoulder. "No. Just… in awe."
> "You always make me feel like I've done something right," he whispered.
Behind the curtain, Selene watched with a fond smile. Antonio came up behind her, arms sliding around her waist.
> "Thinking about your turn?" he murmured.
> "Maybe," Selene said. "But mostly just glad she's getting everything she deserves."
Antonio leaned closer. "You're next."
> "You've been saying that," she teased.
> "You will be the most beautiful bride," he promised.
> "I am the most beautiful already," she replied with a playful smirk.
> "You are," he agreed. "And you will be."
They shared a look that lingered — hearts full and promises quietly forming beneath the stars.
Vows in Bloom – The Engagement Day
The sun rose softly over Paris, washing Selene and Antonio's mansion in gold. The garden had been transformed overnight into a floral dream — cascades of white, blush, and lavender blossoms twined around the arch, the pathway lined with soft petals and elegant gold lanterns. It was the perfect blend of timeless romance and modern grace.
Inside, the atmosphere was anything but calm. Ayra stood in front of a large mirror, the final touch of blush being swept across her cheeks. Her engagement gown — the elegant ivory-blush hybrid Selene had crafted — hugged her gently at the waist, flowing like morning mist around her legs. Her hair was swept up into soft curls, pinned with crystal accessories.
> "You look like you stepped out of a painting," Mira whispered, her eyes glimmering.
> "You're ethereal," Amara added, squeezing her hand. "Are you ready?"
Ayra gave them a teary smile.
> "I think… I was always ready for him."
Selene stepped in, breathtaking in her deep mauve bridesmaid gown. Her dusty brown-black hair was curled down her back, face lit with the same joy she saw in Ayra's.
> "You're glowing," Selene whispered, adjusting a loose tendril near Ayra's ear. "Eliot's going to lose it."
> "You think he'll cry?" Ayra asked nervously.
> "No," Mira cut in, "he's going to weep. Wail. Collapse."
They all laughed — that sweet, quiet laugh of women who'd grown close through chaos, love, and time.
The Ceremony
The guests gathered in the garden, buzzing gently with excitement as soft violin music laced the air. At the front, Antonio stood next to Eliot — both in coordinating charcoal suits with golden embroidery that shimmered under the light.
Antonio leaned in, whispering,
> "Steady your heartbeat, man."
Eliot chuckled, adjusting his sleeve. "It's not the nerves. It's the fact that she's mine… and still, I can't believe it."
The crowd stilled as the music shifted. Mira stepped forward first, then Amara, and then Selene, each elegant in their gowns. And finally, Ayra walked down the aisle, escorted by her mother, Melinda — eyes glassy with emotion.
Eliot's breath hitched.
She was art.
Ayra reached him, eyes locked onto his, and Eliot took both her hands with reverence.
The Exchange
Standing beneath the blooming arch, Eliot cleared his throat.
> "I don't have perfect words, but I have a heart that's been yours for longer than you'll ever know. Ayra, I promise to honor your light, stand with you in your storms, and never let you forget the kind of woman you are — brave, brilliant, and mine."
Ayra blinked rapidly, voice trembling as she began.
> "Eliot, in you I found my calm, my home, my laughter. I vow to stand beside you, love you endlessly, challenge you, and build a world with you — with messy mornings, endless coffees, and a home full of warmth… and maybe a few little feet someday."
The crowd laughed softly. Selene's eyes met Antonio's from the front row — her heart aching in the most beautiful way.
The Celebration
Laughter, applause, clinking glasses.
As the evening faded into night, the celebration bloomed with dancing and joy. Mira and Amara twirled in the middle of the dance floor while Eliot and Ayra had their first dance as an engaged couple — slow, graceful, tender.
Antonio caught Selene watching.
> "You next, wifey?"
> "Not yet," she said, leaning into him. "But soon."
> "Tomorrow, if I could."
> "Let them have their moment," she smirked.
> "But I'm greedy," he whispered, kissing the back of her hand.
Selene laughed, cheeks warm.
---
Later That Night
As the stars stretched over the Parisian sky, the closest friends and family remained. Antonio raised a toast:
> "To Ayra and Eliot — for finding each other in this big world, and reminding all of us that love, in its truest form, is worth every risk."
Ayra clinked glasses with Selene, whispering,
> "Thank you for everything. This life, this day… I couldn't have done it without you."