After a few seconds, Lyra lifted her head up with hesitance, knowing it was time to thank her perpetual hero.
"Why are you always so clumsy?" he yelled, not even bothering to first let her down.
The bystanders didn't expect the calm and composed celebrity to be so dynamic. He genuinely looked the part of a concerned husband despite his flirtatious demeanor.
"Um…Kurtis…can you let me down first?" Lyra turned away in embarrassment as she indicated that there were still audience present.
He got the hint and placed her gently on her feet before taking a slight step forward.
"Excuse us, that must've been terribly unsightly," he apologized with slight sarcasm to lighten the mood. He showed off his "everything is great" smile which did the charm, sending the observing ladies' hearts fluttering.
His hand was resting comfortably on the left side of her waist, pressing her close against his body. Even though he wore a blazer, Lyra could still feel the heat he emitted, which didn't aid the current situation.
"Go on, tell Ms. Ivanna you like the dress," he hinted.
Lyra was speechless at first before cupping her hands together and turning towards the designer.
"I love it. Thank you very much!" she said, looking like an angel dressed in white before turning towards the fiancé and smiling bright like the sun outside.
The couple looked so in love that even Ivanna gave them a moment before giving her final thoughts.
"Hon, you look beautiful in the dress, but I have confidence I can make something much better. Are you positive you like this one?"
The dressers were pleasantly surprised. It was the first time in awhile since Ms. Ivanna actually cared enough to ask a customer so thoroughly. Normally, she correctly assumed that as long as it was her work, it'll do.
Kurtis's grip slightly tightened around Lyra's waist and she gave an immediate nod.
"Hey now," Ms. Ivanna pointed out like a mother catching a son red-handed. "I'm asking for her opinion this time, not yours," she said before turning towards the girl next to him. "And don't you look at him for an answer. This is the dress you wear to match the man standing next to you and I assure you, it's not easy standing on par with him. Are you sure this shows off the best you?"
The designer was truly a professional. She had a sharp eye, knowing full well that such a revealing dress did not suit Lyra's vibe despite it looking good on her. However, she wanted all of her clients to look the best. And she had a gut feeling the bride wasn't quite there with the current dress.
But Lyra knew something Ms. Ivanna didn't—that she wasn't Angela. The designer wasn't lacking at all in her craft. In fact, she was a genius. With just one meeting with her sister, she managed to create such a dress that easily highlighted her sister's strengths and attitude. If it was Angela in the dress right now, it was nothing less than a perfect fit.
"This dress is definitely the one I want for the wedding," Lyra stated as she stood a little taller and steadied herself by relying on Kurtis for more support. He seemed to move so that he wasn't blocking any of her spotlight. A proud grin found itself on his face when she shifted to make use of his action.
Recognizing the resolution in Ms. Cades' eyes, Ivanna stepped back and though reluctant, nodded in approval.
"Now Kurtis, how are things going along with your own suit?"
"Measurements were taken last week. Should be ready no later than the end of this week," he replied.
Ms. Ivanna shook her head before giving orders to the staff to fetch a tux in the inventory room for the gentleman.
"Hurry and get changed. Wait for me in the studio," the designer said as she went on the phone.
As soon as the lady was out of sight, Kurtis was beckoned to follow one dresser to the west wing and Lyra was led out to the east wing where the studio was. Separated from him, she could finally breathe a little easier, and though she wasn't yet allowed to change out of the gown, she did get to sit on a bench which was relief to her strained feet.
Ten minutes later, a secret door creaked open from the side and Kurtis stepped out. He seemed a little surprised too when he saw Lyra sitting on the bench in the spacious studio room.
Kurtis didn't budge from the doorway until the staff dragged him over to the bench and urged him to sit down and make himself comfortable. When he did, the staff exited the room to fetch a few more things, leaving the bride and groom together.
"What are we doing here?" Lyra turned to the guy who usually knew what was going on. "Why did you change?"
"Ivanna wanted a picture together with me. It was one of the conditions for designing your dress," he explained while taking a look around the professional set, unable to sit still.
Lyra nodded. "Okay…so why am I here?"
"That's what I'm dying to know," the man added sarcastically before getting up and walking the room.
It was confirmed that there was absolutely no confusion between them. Mr. Wellington knew it was the other Ms. Cades the minute he stepped into the fitting room. It couldn't be more obvious to him now that he personally knew both of them so well.
A minute later, three staff members entered the room from the hidden door carrying a few black bags.
"Ms. Ivanna is still on the line, but she told us to help you two get ready for the photoshoot first."
"What photoshoot?" Lyra asked.
"Ms. Cades, your bridal photoshoot with the groom," she said to the couple sitting on the bench while already unpacking the makeup bag.
[No way is this happening…]