Epilogue

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Epilogue


Mila, adorned in a dark red and gold lehenga, sat atop the grand staircase, her eyes filled with anticipation. The chimes of her bangles mirrored the fluttering of her heart as she awaited Archer's arrival. She adjusted her heavy dupatta and untangled it from her intricately designed earrings just as Emily and Sophia, dressed in matching lehengas, came running up the stairs.

"How much did he pay?" Mila inquired with a playful grin.

"Five thousand each," Sophia exclaimed, her cheeks flushed with excitement.

Mila's nose scrunched up in mock disapproval. "That's it? I would have made him pay at least ten each."

"I'm rich, baby!"

Leo's shout suddenly took over the girl's giggling. He came running into the foyer with his butt wiggling in a happy dance.

"Oh yeah, ah-ha, oh yeah," Leo chanted, dancing around and throwing up his wad of cash with exuberance.

Mila couldn't help but laugh at the infectious energy of the little boy. Leo grabbed the welcome sign and spun it around, displaying a playful message meant for Archer.

"You want our sister? Better pay up, Mister!" It read.

As the beats of the drums intensified, signaling Archer's arrival, Mila's heart raced with a mix of excitement and nervousness. She quickly hurried back up to her room with Sophia and Emily trailing behind her.

"He's on a horse!" Emily exclaimed with wide-eyed enthusiasm. "And everyone's dancing, and there are so many drums."

Mila, unable to contain her curiosity, glanced over her shoulder. "Does he look handsome?"

"He looks like a prince," Sophia sighed, her admiration evident.

Witnessing the genuine admiration in Sophia's eyes, Mila felt a surge of excitement. The realization that her father would soon walk her down the aisle intensified the fluttering in her stomach. Determined to channel her emotions positively, she hastened to her room with the two girls trailing behind.

As they entered, Mila, caught between nervousness and exhilaration, focused on preparing herself for the momentous occasion. She quickly fastened her anklets and readjusted the flowers adorning her hair.

"How do I look?" she inquired, adjusting her bindi in the mirror.

"Like Archer's bride."

Mila looked up as Drew answered from the door way. Her black sequin saree clung to her figure like a second skin, accentuating her finest curves. The smile on Drew's lips widened as Mila, with a nervous laugh, shook her hands, making the bangles on her wrists dance in a melodic rhythm.

"They're ready for you," Drew announced. "Giovanni is waiting in the foyer."

Mila took a deep breath, her excitement reaching a crescendo. With a determined yet jittery step, she moved towards the door.

"Girls, the veil," Drew turned towards Sophia and Emily.

"On it," Emily said as she pulled her little sister closer and they lifted the ends of Mila's long veil.

"Ready?" Drew looked into Mila's eyes.

"Yes," Mila nodded, but before she could step out, Drew threw her arms around her and pulled her into a tight embrace.

"I'm happy for you," she said. "You two deserve each other."

Taken back by the rare display of affection, Mila felt her heart tighten. She held Drew and fanned her eyes to keep herself from crying.

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