Epilogue
In the brisk March air, with spring yet to fully embrace its warmth, the wedding hall exuded an atmosphere of anticipation and joy. The white walls of the bride’s waiting room were adorned with sparkling crystal lights and the scent of fresh flowers filled the air, infusing the space with vibrancy.
Yi-soo, radiant in her ivory wedding gown, sat gracefully on a sofa, clutching her bouquet with a mixture of excitement and serenity. As she awaited the ceremony, every detail around her spoke of careful planning and meticulous attention. From the champagne gold chandelier casting gentle light overhead to the precisely arranged chairs and tableware, the room exuded elegance and sophistication.
Beside her, Min-seo busied herself with adjusting the hem of Yi-soo’s dress, her thoughts momentarily wandering to her own romantic journey. “It’s surreal,” she murmured, “to see Yi-soo in a wedding gown before me. I always thought I’d be the first.”
Yi-soo’s laughter filled the room, a soft melody amidst the anticipation. The simplicity of her off-shoulder design accentuated her graceful silhouette, while her choice to eschew elaborate lace or bead decorations spoke volumes of her timeless elegance. Despite her understated style, there was an undeniable allure to Yi-soo, a captivating presence that transcended mere adornments.
The gown, with its graceful curves reminiscent of ocean waves, transformed Yi-soo into a vision of elegance, akin to a swan gliding across a serene lake. Breaking from tradition, she adorned her hair in a half-updo, a choice that perfectly concealed the V-shaped line of her lower back. Thick waves cascaded down, secured with delicate flower-shaped hairpins, adding a touch of ethereal beauty to her ensemble.
As Yi-soo radiated charm and grace, it was evident that those around her had poured their hearts into every aspect of her styling. From the meticulous selection of the dress to passionate debates over various opinions, the atmosphere crackled with excitement and dedication.
The preparations for the wedding had proven more demanding than anticipated, yet standing within the wedding hall, surrounded by the palpable buzz of anticipation, everything felt refreshingly new and invigorating.
“I still can’t wrap my head around the fact that this is happening. Marriage,” Yi-soo murmured.
Meanwhile, Hyun-seong welcomed guests with warmth and sincerity just outside the waiting room. Opting for a modest celebration, they had chosen to invite only those closest to them, resulting in a gathering of just under a hundred guests. For Hyun-seong, the guest list was curated with care, prioritizing genuine connections and heartfelt well-wishes over grandeur or formality.
In a moment of surprise, a figure clad in a sleek navy blue suit swept into the bride’s waiting room. Ahn Se-yeong, his eyes alight with admiration, swiftly covered Yi-soo’s mouth with both hands, eliciting a playful gasp from her.
“Prosecutor Seo, you look absolutely stunning,” he exclaimed, his voice tinged with genuine affection.
Yi-soo’s eyes sparkled with delight as she recognized her old colleague. “Detective Ahn, it’s wonderful to see you here. Thank you for making the journey.”
Ahn Se-yeong’s eyes glistened with unshed tears, a testament to the depth of their bond. With a tender gesture, he wiped away an imaginary tear, prompting a soft chuckle from Yi-soo as she sought to lighten the mood.
Despite their recent transfer from the Southern District Prosecutor’s Office to the Suwon District, their friendship remained steadfast, marked by monthly exchanges of greetings and well-wishes.
“Why shed tears on such a joyous occasion? Let’s capture this moment together, Detective,” Yi-soo suggested with a warm smile.
“Congratulations, Prosecutor. Attorney Yoon is truly fortunate,” Ahn Se-yeong replied, his voice filled with sincerity.
With the photographer’s cheerful assistance, they posed for several snapshots, freezing this cherished moment in time. As the shutter clicked, sealing their camaraderie in pixels, Ahn Se-yeong rose from his seat.
“I’ll be back soon. I promise to capture every precious moment,” he vowed, his words laced with heartfelt sincerity.
“Thank you, Detective,” Yi-soo replied, her serene smile radiating gratitude. At that moment, surrounded by genuine well-wishes and heartfelt congratulations, she couldn’t help but feel overwhelmed with happiness.
As guests exchanged warm greetings in the lobby, a palpable excitement filled the air, mingling with Yi-soo’s racing heartbeat as the realization dawned that her wedding day was swiftly approaching. With a sense of wonder, she lifted her gaze to the sparkling crystal chandelier overhead, its brilliance mirroring the bright anticipation of her future.