Their lingering kiss finally ended, leaving Sophia's cheeks flushed and her eyes shimmering.

Ethan's lips were tinted with her lipstick, glistening temptingly under the sunlight.

"Stay still." Sophia rose on her tiptoes, gently wiping the traces from his lips with her fingertips.

A breeze swept by, sending her pristine veil fluttering to the ground.

"Time for the bouquet toss!" Natalie tugged Iris to the front, both girls eyeing the floral arrangement—a symbol of happiness—with sparkling anticipation.

Tradition held that the bride's tossed bouquet would bring luck to the next couple.

Young women in the crowd readied themselves eagerly, except for Sylvia, who lingered disinterestedly in the corner.

Sophia winked at Natalie before turning and launching the bouquet high into the air.

"Mine!" Iris leaped up, using her height to her advantage.

Just as her fingers grazed the flowers, a tall figure darted past.

Kyle caught the bouquet effortlessly and handed it to Natalie.

"Thanks, big bro!" Natalie beamed, her eyes crinkling with delight.

Iris stomped her foot in frustration. "That's cheating!"

"Tactical teamwork," Natalie retorted, waving the bouquet smugly. "Some people stay single for a reason."

From the corner, Shane smirked behind his sunglasses—a detail Sylvia didn't miss. She tugged her father's sleeve dejectedly. "Dad, am I just... a failure?"

The banquet hall buzzed with guests.

Now in a wine-red gown, Sophia stood radiant beside Ethan amidst the crowd.

"Third toast!" the emcee announced.

Between toasts, Sophia spotted an unwelcome guest—Isabella, seated at Adrian's table, her garish makeup resembling a spilled paint palette.

"Ugh," Sophia muttered under her breath.

Ethan gave her fingers a reassuring squeeze. "Just a pathetic clown."

In a private room, the three mothers had prepared a feast.

"Try this," Grace urged, holding a bite of braised tenderloin to her daughter's lips.

Evelyn countered by offering sea cucumber. "You must be exhausted."

Overwhelmed by their affection, Sophia could only nod vaguely.

Nearby, Audrey fed her son abalone. "Eat up. There's more to do later."

"Where's Shane?" Ethan glanced around.

"Seated separately with Kyle." Audrey paused. "And what was that 'oh' about earlier?"

Ethan dabbed his lips elegantly. "A thirty-year-old single man. You understand."

As night fell, fireworks worth millions would light up the island sky.

This long-awaited wedding, five years overdue, was destined to be anything but ordinary.