(Ayra's POV)
Today is the day. The day I've dreamed about since I was a little girl—the one where I wear a long, lacy white dress, hold a bouquet of soft white roses, and walk down the aisle to marry the man I love.
For months, I've been counting down, marking each day on my calendar with a small heart.
Every day brought me closer to this moment, and now that it's here, I feel as if I'm floating.
Sasha, my best friend since I was six, stands beside me, adjusting my veil with careful, steady hands.
She's more than my friend—she's my sister, my confidant, my rock. And today, she's also my chief bridesmaid.
I know I wouldn't have made it through these months of planning and nerves without her.
She steps back, admiring her handiwork, and smiles softly, her eyes a little misty.
"You look beautiful, Ayra. Really, you do." Her voice wavers slightly, and I can tell she's holding back tears.
"Sasha, don't start crying. If you cry, I'll cry, and you know I can't redo this makeup," I laugh, though my heart feels like it's about to burst.
"Oh, trust me, I won't ruin this masterpiece." She quickly wipes a stray tear from her cheek. "You're a vision, Ayra. Kyle's going to be speechless when he sees you."
My cheeks flush at the mention of Kyle—the man I'm about to marry.
The thought of him standing at the end of the aisle, waiting for me, sends a rush of warmth through me.
He's been my everything, my heart, my love, my soulmate and today we would tie the knot and he'll officially become my husband.
And I just couldn't wait!
Just then, Nana is wheeled in by Rosa. The moment she sees me, her face lights up with a radiant smile, and her eyes glisten with unshed tears.
"Nana, please don't cry. It's my big day today," I say, rushing over to her to give her a warm embrace.
"I just wish your parents were here to see this happy day," she murmurs softly.
"I know they're watching from a good place, Nana. I know they're happy, wherever they are."
She nods, her arms tightening around me in a tender hug. "You look so beautiful, my Sunflower."
I smile warmly as I pull back. Her words wrap around my heart, comforting me.
"Ayra, it's time," Sasha announces gently.
I glance at her and nod, taking a deep breath before following her toward the large hallway.
"Are you ready?" Sasha asks, her voice pulling me back to the present.
"Yes," I reply, exhaling slowly. "Let's do this."
The music starts—a soft, gentle melody that fills the air, making my heart pound in time with my steps.
I move forward, my breath catching as I walk down the aisle alone, my parents' absence weighing heavily on me.
Though surrounded by familiar faces, I feel like I'm in my own little bubble.
People smile, some even wipe their eyes, but my gaze remains fixed straight ahead—on him. On Kyle.
The moment he sees me, his face lights up, his eyes shimmering with unshed tears.
He looks as if he's holding his breath, just as I am.
When I finally reach him, he takes my hand, his grip warm and steady.
The touch grounds me, making everything feel real—no more dreams, no more countdowns. Just us, standing here, about to promise forever.
The vows feel surreal, yet each word etches itself deep into my soul.
Kyle's voice is steady and warm, every word a promise I know he'll keep.
We seal our vows with a kiss—a soft, lingering kiss that feels like coming home.
The world fades away, leaving just the two of us wrapped in each other's arms.
When we finally pull back, he rests his forehead against mine, a soft smile tugging at his lips.
"I love you, Ayra Miller," he whispers.
"I love you too, Kyle Durry."
The reception follows suit afterwards, filled with laughter, clinking glasses, and stolen glances across the room.
Sasha spins me around on the dance floor, both of us laughing while Kyle watches with that warm, loving smile of his.
For hours, we dance, laugh, and celebrate with friends and the few family members we have left.
The day feels like a dream—one I never want to wake up from.
But little did I know, it was the beginning of my nightmare.
I had just walked down the aisle of my death!