Upon seeing Alla lock the suitcase, Maggie hastily intervened, only to be gently pushed away.
"Alla, why are you so obstinate?" Maggie sighed in resignation.
Having secured the suitcase, Alla turned and wrapped her arms around Maggie's, a playful pout on her face. "You've always taken care of me since we were little. I've done little in return. Consider this a token of my affection."
Despite Alla's insistence, Maggie couldn't reconcile with accepting money from her. Alla's life was already strenuous, how could she take her hard-earned savings? Nevertheless, she reluctantly accepted the bank card. Maggie planned to return it to Alla's room on her wedding day. She could never accept money Alla had toiled for.
After packing a few things, they lay on the same bed in their shared room, dreaming about the future with face masks on, just as they did when they were younger. Maggie spoke of Alla's future marriage, advising her to find a successful white-collar professional, someone who would be a good match and would ensure financial stability.
Their flat was their pre-marital property, a safe haven for them to return to if life ever turned sour. It was their shield against the rain, their fortress against the wind. With this in place, they had nothing to fear.
Alla agreed to everything, careful not to betray any hint of discord to Maggie. Curling against Maggie's arm, she felt incredibly blessed to have such a loving sister. Even if life was to be taken from her prematurely, she would have no regrets.
The next day arrived all too quickly, the day of Maggie's wedding. Alla was reluctant to see Maggie leave, but she knew that Maggie's future would consist of not just her, but her new family as well. She hid her reluctance and devoted herself to making the day as perfect as possible for Maggie.
After a makeup artist had finished with Maggie, a photographer arrived to take numerous photos and record a video of Vincent arriving with his groomsmen. Bursting through the door, Vincent and his men spirited the radiant bride down the stairs. Alla followed, carrying Maggie's train, her face lit up with joy.
They held the wedding at a hotel. It wasn't the most luxurious establishment, but it had everything they needed. It was clear that Vincent valued Maggie greatly, which relieved Alla somewhat.
Maggie didn't have any family, only the head of the orphanage attended the wedding. The guests filling the hotel were all Vincent's relatives. The wedding's theme was "Romantic Starry Night". The lighting created an atmosphere of a sky full of stars.
Roses adorned either end of the runway, surrounded by lamps casting twinkling lights. Maggie stood at one end of this runway, dressed in a white wedding gown. The distant starry lights shone upon her, making her look as though she was standing in the Milky Way, a radiant vision.
Alla watched the woman who had been with her for half her life, her eyes welling up. She was handing Maggie over to Vincent. From this moment on, Maggie would embark on a new life, and Alla would have no regrets.
The ceremony proceeded to the exchange of rings. Just as Vincent was about to slide the diamond ring onto Maggie's finger, an untimely voice interrupted the festive atmosphere —
"How could you have such a grand wedding without inviting me?"