Chapter 303

Lira's POV

She held a crown meticulously woven from local flowers. "The florist just finished this," she carefully handed it to Zoey. "It's absolutely perfect."

Austin strolled in behind her, dressed in a casual white linen suit, looking relaxed and handsome. He rolled his eyes dramatically and wrapped an arm around Erin's waist.

"What have you crazy women done to my wife?" he shook his head in mock complaint. "She hasn't stopped crying all morning. I've already stuffed a dozen tissues in her purse."

Lily laughed and gave him a playful shove. "Shut up. Men will never understand what weddings mean to women."

We were all laughing when the conversation was interrupted by the patter of tiny, hurried footsteps. Wendy burst into the room like a pink tornado, her little hands clutching a basket filled with flower petals and tiny seashells, her brown curls bouncing with every movement.

"Mommy!!" she squealed excitedly, her eyes sparkling. "The beach is SO pretty! There's lots of shells! And DOLPHINS!"

My little sweetheart, always so full of energy. "Come here, my little flower girl," I opened my arms, and she immediately launched herself into my embrace. I carefully lifted her up.

She cupped my face with her small hands, examined me seriously, then broke into a satisfied smile. "Mommy, you look beautiful, like a mermaid princess. Daddy's gonna FREAK OUT when he sees you!"

I couldn't help but laugh, my heart overflowing with love. This little thing, only three years old and already such a charmer, definitely inherited Nathan's charisma.

My father and Rebecca appeared in the doorway, both looking slightly rushed. Dad's tie was a bit crooked, and Rebecca's updo had a few loose strands.

"Sorry we're late," my father cleared his throat awkwardly, his gaze wandering. "The road was, uh... a bit congested."

Rebecca quickly jumped in, her cheeks slightly flushed. "Yes, too many tourists on the island."

Oh please, who's buying that? I suppressed a smile, pretending not to notice their obvious just-had-a-quickie appearance. In the past year, since my father started dating Rebecca from Pinefield again, he'd seemed ten years younger. Rebecca now led the Witch Association, and they lived a peaceful life in the small town, while other witches remained in the city, with Stella continually recruiting new members.

Everything was getting better.

"It's okay, Dad," I stood up and twirled, letting the light wedding dress dance around me. "What do you think?"

My father's eyes immediately moistened, his lips trembling slightly. "You look so much like your mother," he said softly. "It's like going back to our wedding day. She would be so proud of you, Lira."

His words tightened my throat. Mom, can you see this? I've found my happiness.

Erin coughed, breaking the somewhat melancholy atmosphere. "We're still waiting for one more person," she winked mysteriously. "Should be here any minute."

"Who else? Aren't all the bridesmaids—" I had barely started speaking when a familiar figure appeared in the doorway, stopping me mid-sentence.

Cole stood there, smiling at me.

"Surprise, old friend," he opened his arms.

My heart skipped a beat, tears instantly welling up. "COLE!" I practically screamed, not caring if my wedding dress got wrinkled as I rushed forward to hug him tightly. Oh my God, he's really here! My old friend.

"You actually came!" I sobbed against his chest, my fingers clutching his suit. "Three years without a WORD, you jerk!"

Cole laughed, patting my back. "What, did you think I'd let my best friend get married without me? Not a chance."

I stepped back, wiping away tears, looking him up and down. "Why didn't you tell me you were coming?"

"Then it wouldn't be a surprise, dummy," he flicked my forehead, just like he'd done countless times before. "Besides, this was all Nathan's doing. The flight, hotel, everything."

"Nathan knew?" I widened my eyes in surprise. "He didn't say a word!"

Cole's expression softened. "He said today is special, and you needed everyone who loves you by your side." He paused, lowering his voice mysteriously. "And there's an even bigger surprise waiting for you."

I was frowning in confusion when a voice I thought I'd never hear again came from behind Cole.

"You should ask me about that."

Time seemed to freeze in that moment. My heart stopped for an instant, then began pounding wildly. This can't be...

Sophie stood in the doorway, wearing a sea-blue chiffon bridesmaid dress, her golden hair flowing down her back. She was thinner than I remembered, her cheeks somewhat hollow, her collarbones more prominent, but those eyes—those eyes that always sparkled—remained as bright as ever.

"Sophie..." my voice trembled, tears flowing uncontrollably. "Is this real?"

"In the flesh," she opened her arms, her smile tearful. "You didn't think I'd let you get married without me, did you? Dream on!"

My legs could barely support me as I stumbled forward, collapsing into her embrace. All emotions exploded at once—grief, joy, guilt, relief—I sobbed in her arms like a child. She's alive, Sophie's alive! God, thank you!

"I really thought you were gone forever," I sobbed, gripping her arms tightly, afraid she might disappear. "We were at your funeral, we all... we thought..."

"Shh, I know, I know," Sophie stroked my back, her own tears sliding down her cheeks. "After the battle, my mom took me to a special treatment center on the West Coast. I was in a coma for over two years, and a few times I almost... left." She glanced briefly at Cole, her eyes full of love. "But this stubborn guy never gave up, never left my side for a moment."

"Why didn't anyone tell me?" I stepped back, wiping away tears, a hint of hurt in my voice.

"You were pregnant with Wendy," Sophie explained gently. "They didn't want to give you false hope only to watch me... slip away. That wouldn't have been good for you or the baby." She smiled, wiping tears from my face. "Besides, when I finally woke up, Nathan suggested this would be the best wedding gift for you."

I turned to look at Cole standing nearby, feeling incredibly grateful. "So that's where you've been for three years... you were taking care of her."