When Ria stood in front of the mirror wearing the white gown, admiring her reflection in quiet amazement, a beautiful young woman stepped forward from one corner of the showroom. The woman was dressed in an expensive outfit herself, elegance evident in her posture and eyes. She looked at Ria's height and the brilliance of the dress with visible surprise.
The woman came closer, gently touching the flawless detailing of the gown, then looked into Ria's eyes and smiled sweetly.
Woman:
"Excuse me! Is this dress finalized for you? I must say, I've seen many brides try on dresses in this showroom, but I never imagined that white could look this magical on someone who is 6 feet 3 inches tall."
Ria smiled shyly.
The woman then glanced toward Lee Min Ho, who was standing right beside Ria.
Woman:
"And when you two stand together, it feels like an international magazine cover shoot. The dress blends perfectly with your body shape. Is this your wedding dress?"
Ria:
"Yes, thank you. Our wedding is on the 15th."
Woman (excitedly):
"That's wonderful! When you walk down the aisle, that long trail at the back will make you look absolutely ethereal. Are you planning to wear a long veil with it?"
Before Ria could answer, Lee Min Ho spoke.
Lee Min Ho:
"I want Ria to look simple yet elegant. I believe she's already complete without any heavy crown or veil."
The woman nodded in agreement.
But Adis, of course, couldn't stay quiet for long. He jumped right into the conversation.
Adis:
"Listen, madam! The dress is great, but do you know where the real challenge is? When Ria walks in this gown, she'll need at least four bodyguards just to hold the fabric behind her. Would you like to volunteer for that job—for free?"
The woman burst into laughter. She handed Ria a card.
Woman:
"I'm Sayra, a fashion designer. If you want to perfect the fitting even more, feel free to contact me. Managing this height is very important."
After Sayra left, Lee Min Ho placed his hand around Ria's waist.
Lee Min Ho:
"See, Ria? Even strangers are falling in love with you and this dress. I'm already scared—on our wedding day, who knows how many people will sigh just looking at you."
Ria:
"Don't worry, Lee. No matter how many people look at me, my eyes will only search for that handsome groom who's 6 feet 5 inches tall."
From the side, Adis shut his eyes dramatically.
Adis:
"Oh God! This much romance is unbearable. Someone give me a glass of cold water, or I'll faint right here in the showroom!"
The Wedding Day – The Royal Entrance & Mem's Panic
Finally, the grand day arrived—the 15th.
The city's largest grand ballroom hosted the wedding of the century. The entire hall was decorated with pure white flowers and crystal ornaments.
Both the bride and groom followed a white theme.
Lee Min Ho wore an exquisite white three-piece suit. With his broad shoulders and 6 feet 5 inches height, he looked like a prince straight out of a fairy tale.
And when Ria descended the staircase wearing her diamond-studded white gown, the entire hall seemed to stop breathing.
Yet, amid all this royal elegance, one person stole everyone's attention—the bodyguard, Mem.
Mem arrived fully prepared for duty. She wore a white blazer and pants, her trademark black sunglasses in place. In her hand was a strangely long stick—what she called her "Safety Distance Stick." Alone, she guarded Ria's expensive gown from all sides.
Mem (sternly):
"No one is allowed within five feet of this dress! This gown is made with priceless diamonds. Any pulling or damage will result in strict action!"
Adis, dressed proudly in a red tie, danced his way toward Ria—but Mem immediately blocked him with the stick.
Mem:
"Mr. Adis, stop! You're holding a cold drink. If even one drop falls on this dress, your dinner tonight is cancelled!"
Adis:
"Oh come on, Sister Mem! It's my best friend's wedding. Can't I even hug her? And what's with this stick—are you chasing cattle? Relax a little!"
Lee Min Ho (laughing):
"Mem, let him come. Without Adis, the wedding joy feels incomplete."
Reluctantly, Mem stepped aside.
Adis walked up to Lee Min Ho and lightly touched the fabric of his suit.
Adis:
"Sir, the way you and Ria are standing in white… you look like two giant vanilla ice creams. I feel like taking a bite right now!"
Ria laughed uncontrollably.
Ria:
"Lee, see? Mem is guarding my dress, and Adis thinks we're ice cream. Will this wedding ever be peaceful?"
At that moment, the lights turned blue.
Lee Min Ho placed Ria's hand over his.
Looking down at her from his towering height, he said softly:
Lee Min Ho:
"I don't know about peace, Ria. But this moment is the most beautiful of my life. Mem is protecting us, and Adis is making us laugh. What more could we ask for?"
Suddenly, Mem touched her wireless earpiece and lifted the back of Ria's gown sharply.
Mem:
"Alert! A suspicious individual—possibly connected to Ariyan—has been spotted near the gate. Mr. Adis, secure the bride's right side. I'll take the left!"
Adis turned pale.
Adis:
"Oh no! A fight during the wedding?! Ria, run! I'm hiding behind Sister Mem!"
Adis's 'Heroic' Mistake
Determined to prove himself, Adis rolled up his sleeves and scanned the hall.
Suddenly, he spotted a man in a black jacket moving quickly toward Ria from a dark corner. The man held a long object that looked suspiciously like a small gun.
Adis (shouting):
"Stop right there! Don't come even an inch closer to Ria! Today I'll send you straight to the underworld!"
He charged forward—but the man dodged, and Adis rolled onto a table instead. Still, he grabbed the man's collar.
Adis:
"Speak! Who sent you? Ariyan? Trying to ruin my friend's wedding with this weapon?"
The man trembled and raised his hands.
The "gun" turned out to be a digital thermometer, and in his other hand—a tray of hot biryani.
Man:
"Brother, please don't hit me! I'm not a thug—I'm the hotel's senior waiter! I was just serving biryani on Mr. Lee Min Ho's instructions and checking if anyone caught a fever because of the AC!"
Silence fell over the hall.
Then—explosive laughter.
Lee Min Ho laughed so hard he nearly sat down.
Lee Min Ho:
"Adis! You just launched a surgical strike on my biryani!"
Ria (laughing):
"Adis, you're incredible! You couldn't tell a gun from a thermometer? You tried to be a hero and became zero!"
Even Mem lowered her sunglasses slightly—a rare smile appearing.
Mem:
"Mr. Adis, your enthusiasm is admirable, but your target selection needs improvement. The real suspect was already detained—a journalist trying to sneak in."
Embarrassed, Adis dusted off the waiter's clothes.
Adis:
"Sorry, brother! Your style looked straight out of a spy movie. By the way… is the biryani spicy?"
The Sacred Nikah
As the main ceremony began, the atmosphere turned solemn and sacred.
Lee Min Ho, Azerbaijani by heritage and Muslim by faith, sat facing Ria on a white carpet.
Imam:
"Lee Min Ho, do you accept Ria Chowdhury as your wife?"
Lee Min Ho:
"Alhamdulillah, I accept."
Ria (softly):
"I accept."
Joy flooded the hall.
Lee Min Ho gently placed Ria's veil over her head.
Lee Min Ho:
"Ria, from today our long journey begins. You are not only my wife—you are half of my faith."
Farewell & The Royal Departure
Outside the hotel, a white Rolls-Royce awaited, adorned with roses and lilies.
Ria walked toward it, holding her gown, tears for her father in her eyes—but peace for Lee Min Ho in her smile.
Lee Min Ho opened the door for her and sat beside her.
Lee Min Ho:
"This Rolls-Royce isn't just a car, Ria. It's the first step of our new life."
The car slowly disappeared into the quiet night.
A 6'3" princess had finally found her 6'5" prince.
And the white Rolls-Royce carried away a love story the city would never forget.As the white Rolls-Royce slowly began to move, Ria looked out through the window. Everyone was waving, shouting their blessings, faces filled with joy.
But just beyond the crowd—under the dim glow of a lone lamppost—her eyes caught sight of someone, and her smile faded instantly.
Scene: Adis's Hidden Tears
Standing there alone was Adis.
The boy who was always laughing, whose jokes burst like fireworks, now had a faint shimmer of tears clinging to the corners of his eyes. He tried hard to keep a smile on his face, but his reddened eyes betrayed the weight he was carrying inside.
Ria stared at him without blinking.
In that moment, she understood.
Behind Adis's humor and foolishness lay a sacrifice far greater than she had ever realized. He loved her—truly. Yet for her happiness, he had smiled through his pain, burying his love deep within himself and performing the role of the perfect best friend to the very end.
Lee Min Ho followed Ria's gaze and looked outside.
He saw Adis—and tightened his grip around Ria's hand.
A wise man, Lee Min Ho understood the meaning of that silent grief.
Lee Min Ho (in a very low voice):
"Ria, the hardest thing in this world is to hand over the person you love to someone else—and still stand beside them with a smile. Adis has done the impossible today. He has a truly great heart."
Ria couldn't speak.
Her chest tightened painfully. She placed her hand against the window glass, as if trying to touch Adis one last time from afar.
When Adis noticed her looking at him, he quickly pretended to adjust his glasses, wiping away his tears. Then he waved his hand and shouted—
Adis:
"Go! Be happy!"
As the car turned the corner, Adis's lonely figure slowly disappeared from view.
Ria leaned back against the seat and closed her eyes. A single tear slipped from the corner of her eye.
Ria (to herself):
"Take care, Adis. Without you, I might never have found this completeness. Our cherry tree may have withered, but your friendship will live in my heart forever."
Lee Min Ho pulled Ria gently against his chest.
The car sped toward the airport—
on one side, the farewell to old memories;
on the other, the vast sky of a new beginning calling out to them.