Chapter 103 — Should They Be Separated?
Lyyana nodded, “Oh, by the way, how was cooking with Berli?”
Lyyana turned slightly in her seat and excitedly recounted her day. Petra listened attentively and responded warmly. One thing that brought them closer was their mutual respect and understanding of how to treat each other.
Time passed, and the next morning Petra’s house was bustling with Lyyana and others preparing to leave for the wedding venue. Lyyana and Petra weren’t going alone; they were bringing along several staff members to help, as well as Robert, Olive, Laura, and their friends Denzel and Berli, along with Benji, Petra’s assistant and friend.
“Is everyone ready?” Petra asked, looking at the group gathered in front of him.
“Yes!” they replied in unison.
Petra nodded and started giving directions for the journey and car assignments. “Benji, please drive the car. Amber, Liza, Chala, Mila, and Adelia will go in one car with Tomy. The rest will stick to the usual cars,” Petra said, looking at each of them. “Oh, and please check the cars before we leave. We don’t want a repeat of what happened last time.”
“Don’t worry, Petra. Everything will be fine and go smoothly,” Robert reassured him.
After the briefing, Petra headed to his car. Today, he chose not to drive so he could rest and entrusted the trip to Benji. Four matching cars left the driveway, merging into the morning traffic.
The two-hour journey brought them to a spacious garden filled with plants and flowers. Their cars parked in a designated area. After distributing rooms and spaces, everyone dispersed to their respective tasks.
This time, Petra had to part with Lyyana and Garret, as she would be staying temporarily with Robert and Olive. Even though they were only a few meters apart, Petra felt an emptiness inside him, eager to say his vows and start his life with Lyyana.
“Feeling lonely?” Benji asked, handing him a cold drink.
Petra took the drink and sipped it. “More like I’ve gotten used to the lively atmosphere again.”
“Lyyana has changed you, but for the better.”
Petra turned to him, raising an eyebrow. “You’re more talkative and social now, right?”
“Lyyana has indeed changed my life. I don’t know what would have happened if I hadn’t met her that day.”
“Are you sure she’s still a virgin? I mean, what if she—”
“I don’t care if she’s a virgin or not. I’m marrying her not just for physical satisfaction; I’m marrying her to live and grow old together. You know, living alone isn’t enjoyable. There’s no one to share with, no one to exchange thoughts with, and especially no one to spend your old age with.”
“Are you taking a dig at me?” Benji asked, patting Petra’s shoulder.
“Haha, feeling attacked? Isn’t it easy for you to find a bedmate?”
“Damn! It’s easy to find a bedmate, but a life partner? I can’t just pick any woman.” Petra laughed at Benji’s words.
He knew Benji well—a hardworking man who often spent his nights in clubs or in bed with escorts. Yet, Petra didn’t expect Benji to desire a meaningful marriage with a good woman.
They spent time sharing stories, though Petra mostly listened to Benji’s tales about his ideal woman or his tips on satisfying women. Meanwhile, Lyyana was also receiving advice from Olive about married life as the wife of a businessman.
Lyyana listened intently to Olive, occasionally asking questions and expressing her anxieties. Olive was patient, much like Lyyana’s own mother. Time flew by, and after dinner, Lyyana had several pre-wedding preparations like a spa treatment.
∞
The vast green yard had been transformed into a beautiful scene with rose, orchid, and lily decorations, and draping fabric from above. Twinkling lights and electric candles adorned the area. At the front was a small stage with wedding chairs decorated with roses of various colors. Red carpets and white-covered chairs were arranged neatly, with round tables for special guests ready in place.
In another room, a woman sat at a dressing table. The only ones there were Lyyana and the bridal makeup team busy with her face, and someone preparing her wedding gown. Everyone seemed happy about the wedding, welcoming it with joy.
“I can't believe it, sis, that the woman marrying a famous man like Mr. Petra is this beautiful angel. I’m confused about how to do the makeup because your face is already so pretty. I’m afraid I might ruin it,” said the makeup artist, staring at Lyyana’s reflection in the mirror.
Lyyana just smiled, “Thank you for the compliment. You’re beautiful too.”
“Oh, my beauty is all thanks to the doctor. There’s nothing real here. It’s rare to find a girl with natural beauty like yours. Your aura is glowing even before I do anything. Mr. Petra really has a good eye for choosing a wife!”
The young woman couldn’t stop praising Lyyana’s face, focusing more on admiring her than applying the makeup. What should have taken two hours stretched to three. However, it was worth it, as Lyyana looked even more beautiful.
Once her makeup and gown were ready, Olive, Laura, and Berli were allowed in to keep Lyyana company in her room. While they were waiting for the event to start, someone knocked on the door. Laura got up to open it, and was surprised by the person standing there.
Laura couldn’t find her voice, stunned by what she saw. “Hi, Laura?” the person greeted softly with a smile.
Without a word, Laura rushed to hug the woman. “Is it really you?”
"Yes, it's me, Sarah. Do you remember me, Laura?" said the woman with a sweet smile on her face.
Laura nodded. "Of course I remember, come in." Laura pulled the woman named Sarah into the room and introduced her to Lyyana.
"Sis! Look who's here!" exclaimed Laura, standing in front of Lyyana.
"It's Sarah!" she added, unable to hide her joyful expression.
Lyyana looked at Laura in disbelief, her eyes stopping on the beautiful woman in a peach dress that matched Laura's dress. "Sarah!" Lyyana stood up from her seat and walked towards Sarah, who also approached her.
Lyyana hugged Sarah tightly, unable to believe that the woman could attend her important event. "Sarah, how have you been?" Lyyana asked, releasing her embrace.