The distance seemed just a few yards, but Molly's vision blurred as tears welled up in her eyes.
The woman smiled tenderly, "Don't cry, sweetheart. Mom's always been here to protect you."
Molly wiped her tears, "Mom, I'm getting married, but it hurts so much. You know Chad, right?"
"Molly, Mom has to go, but he'll be there to protect you in my stead."
As the dream's light faded, Molly saw her mother start to walk away. She ran towards her, trying with all her might, yet feeling unable to move fast, crying out, "Mom, don't go, I miss you so much."
"Molly, Molly, wake up, it's time to get ready." Mia, in her nightgown, gently shook Molly's shoulder, looking just as sleepy.
The makeup artist had arrived at 4 AM, but after numerous attempts, the housemaid couldn't get the door open and had to wake up Ms. Mia instead.
Molly had a restless sleep, her eyelashes wet with tears, staining her red pillow.
"Molly, wake up."
Slowly coming to, she rubbed her eyes, seeing her sister standing by, "Mia, what are you doing here?"
"It's 4:30, time to get ready. Anya and Stephania are already up."
Molly quickly sat up, realizing her alarm hadn't woken her.
"Had a nightmare?" Mia, upon seeing her tears earlier, inquired.
Molly denied, "A beautiful dream, I saw our mom."
Mia smiled, "Then she's definitely watching over you today. Come on, get washed up. Your eyes are all puffy; I'll go get you some eye patches."
After she left, a maid came in to tidy up the red bedding.
Outside, the sky was still dark. Mia returned to check on the little ones, who had stayed up until midnight, now soundly asleep. Andre was also awakened by a maid, "How's Molly?"
"She's fine, just deeply into her dream." Mia, preparing to leave with some skincare products, reminded, "Honey, check if the little one's sweating. If he's hot, take off his blanket. I’ll go stay with Molly."
The photographer was gathering materials at the Cedillo household, preparing for the video shoot later.
Leo, also up early, stepped into Molly’s room, surrounded by her bridesmaids, "Jade, want anything to eat?"
"I'm not hungry."
"Then I'll grab something random for you. Mia, you want anything?" he asked.
"Whatever's in the kitchen. We'll have elders over soon, go change and help your uncle with the hosting," Mia directed.
Anya and Stephania had their own makeup artists. Leo then checked on Anya, "Hungry?"
"Starving," she managed to say through the makeup artist's work.
"I knew it. Hang on."
Soon, Leo returned with hot milk and some breakfast pastries.
Andre left at 5 am to check on his sister before calling their father.
The couple kept checking on their little one, ensuring he was still asleep.
At the Byrne household, Chad had hardly slept, his home filled with younger siblings and cousins.
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