The golden sun spilled over the lush gardens of Château de Marveil, where two love stories were about to entwine into forever. Draped in white roses and champagne-gold silk, the estate buzzed with music, florals, laughter—and the anticipation of two unions.
Two altars, side by side, faced the horizon. On one stood soft-hued peonies and glimmering crystal hangings for Selene and Antonio. The other beamed in ivory and sage for Ayra and Eliot.
Family and friends bustled in soft-toned attire. Among them:
Devina Reyes, radiant in an emerald gown, proudly held Mr. Reyes's arm as he smiled wide, his salt-and-pepper beard matching the silver boutonnière on his lapel.
Selene's mom and dad, both teary-eyed, her mom clutching tissues, whispering how her baby had grown into a woman with grace.
Ayra's mother, Melinda, looking elegant in a beige silk saree-blend gown, eyes glittering as she watched her daughter beam from the bridal suite.
Eliot's parents, Everett and Elias, stood holding hands—Everett emotional as always, Elias pretending not to tear up.
Mira and Amara ran back and forth in blush satin gowns, checking details, making sure everything was perfect. Ronan and Riven looked dashing in midnight blue suits, often exchanging amused glances at their partners' pre-wedding jitters.
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Arrival of the Brides
Gasps swept through the seated crowd as Selene emerged first.
Dressed in a pearl-encrusted mermaid gown, designed in her own studio, her dark brown-black hair was pinned in a loose bun with delicate silver vines trailing through her soft curls. Her hazel eyes shimmered as they locked with Antonio's.
At the altar, Antonio—in a black tux with a gunmetal lapel and silk collar—exhaled slowly, eyes never leaving her.
> "You still look like the girl I chased dogs at," he whispered as she reached him.
Selene grinned, blushing.
> "And you still look like a boy who thought he was in an action movie just to impress me."
They laughed softly, fingers brushing.
Next came Ayra, looking ethereal in a champagne-toned bridal dress with sheer floral sleeves and a low bun. Eliot's breath hitched, watching her walk toward him like time had slowed.
> "You make everything feel like home," he said as he took her hand.
> "That's all I ever wanted to be for you," she smiled back.
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The Vows
The officiant stood between the two altars, and guests watched in quiet awe.
Antonio went first:
> "Selene, you taught me how to love with patience, strength, and fire. I promise to be your calm, your storm, and everything in between."
Selene, with tears in her voice, replied:
> "You weren't just my love—you were my story's plot twist. I vow to stand beside you, even if we have to rewrite the ending again and again."
Eliot looked into Ayra's eyes:
> "You made me believe in permanence. In real things. I promise to be your anchor, your humor, your wild idea at 2 a.m."
Ayra's smile trembled:
> "You saw me—even when I wanted to disappear. I promise to be your peace and your passion, and the girl who'll never let you walk alone."
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The Moment
"I do."
"I do."
Rings exchanged.
Kisses followed.
Two pairs, now one.
Cheers exploded, led by Mira, Amara, Ronan, and Riven. Devina wept silently beside Mr. Reyes, who clapped the loudest. Melinda dabbed her tears, Everett hugged Elias, and Selene's mom clutched her husband's hand tightly.
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Celebration Under the Stars
As twilight fell, fairy lights twinkled over the garden like stardust. Tables sparkled with candles, toasts flowed with laughter.
Antonio raised a glass, voice playful:
> "To marriage. To neighbors. And to the future friendships between Alex, Sasha, Irish, and Noen—who better not fight."
Selene chuckled, "And if they do, Ayra and I will handle it. Right, sis?"
Ayra smiled shyly, "Only if you promise not to teach them to chase dogs like a maniac."
Antonio leaned to Selene with a smirk, "Still can't believe that worked."
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Later That Night
Under a soft velvet sky, the couples danced slowly—Antonio holding Selene close, Eliot twirling Ayra under the lights.
Mira nudged Amara, who whispered, "One day, us?"
Riven took her hand. Ronan twirled Mira gently. The night had space for every story.
> "We did it," Selene whispered to Antonio.
> "Finally," he smiled, "and I'd do it all again. Every detour led me to you."