Chapter 21 1/2 Julia and Lydia stood at the doorway , waving as the Stewart family's car disappeared down the road . The wedding was set for April next year - a time of year that wasn't too hot or too cold . Lydia gently patted her daughter's hand . Her eyes were filled with melancholy as she said , " Soon , you'll be married . " Julia's parents had divorced many years ago . Due to her mother's poor health , Julia had stayed with her father after the split . Although he never stopped them from staying in touch , circumstances made their contact rare and distant . After her father passed away , Lydia returned and asked if Julia wanted to come abroad with her . But Julia was deeply in love with Keith at the time and declined the offer . It wasn't until these recent years that they'd finally had the chance to spend time together . Lydia felt heartbroken over what Julia had endured and guilty about her absence during crucial moments in her daughter's life . So , when Calvin and Julia discussed returning to the country , Lydia was afraid of becoming a burden and refused her daughter's invitation to return together . He then privately reached out to her and shared his proposal plans , which helped ease her inner turmoil in the process . Lydia realized that if she continued to hide abroad , her regrets would only multiply . Besides , if she stayed close to Julia , at least her daughter wouldn't face hardships alone and helplessly in their homeland . Perhaps because she'd finally found peace with her decision , her health improved rapidly during that period . Thank goodness she still had the chance to be part of her daughter's future . Julia found herself amazed by how quickly she'd been able to move on and embrace something new . Even she hadn't expected to move forward this fast . " Good thing I still have you , Mom , " she said , leaning against Lydia's shoulder with a contented smile . A breeze swept by , lifting a yellowed leaf into the air before it drifted gently to the ground . Time passed , and the leaf slowly broke down into the soil , only to sprout again with new life when spring came around . The Nolan residence had been quiet for a long time , but now it was slowly coming back to life . Lydia hung white lights and garlands around the windows . The night before the wedding , the house buzzed with activity as family members arrived for the rehearsal dinner . Early the next morning , the bridal party cars arrived to take Julia and her mother to the hotel where she'd get ready . The hair and makeup team was already waiting when they arrived . Chapter 21 2/2 Julia stared at her reflection in the mirror , momentarily dazed . She still couldn't believe she was getting married again . " Ms. Nolan , your skin is flawless . You barely need any makeup at all , " the makeup artist commented while applying foundation to Julia's face . Julia smiled but said nothing . With everything in place and the ceremony about to begin , Lydia stopped by to check on Julia . But the moment she saw her daughter in full makeup , her eyes suddenly filled with tears . She had missed Julia's first wedding due to health problems . This time , she could finally make up for that regret . Sensing her mother's emotions , Julia blinked back her own tears and stepped forward to embrace her . " Today is my wedding day , and it's supposed to be a happy day . No crying , okay ? " Lydia quickly tilted her head back to force the tears away and nodded . " You're right . It's a happy day . I should be smiling , not crying . " The two chatted until someone knocked on the dressing room door . Julia realized it was almost time and asked , " Is it time to go in ? " Only then did Lydia remember why she'd come . She nodded repeatedly . " Yes . Look at my memory -I came to see how you were doing and ended up chatting instead . " When they opened the door , it was indeed a staff member checking on them . Julia nodded and followed them toward the entrance . Unlike the warm scene in the dressing room , the banquet hall buzzed with excitement . To demonstrate the Stewart family's high regard for Julia , the wedding was arranged on a grand scale . Calvin stood with his parents , Anthony Stewart and Mary Carter , greeting guests - though his eyes kept drifting toward where the bride would make her entrance . Seeing that , his parents exchanged amused glances . " We really can't keep a grown son at home . Julia hasn't even married you yet , and you're already watching the door like a lovesick puppy . " Calvin coughed awkwardly to hide his embarrassment , his ears reddening slightly . But within moments , he'd recovered his composure , looking perfectly justified . " That's exactly why I was able to win her over so quickly , " he remarked . His face beamed with pride , making Anthony and Mary shake their heads , though they weren't truly displeased . Seeing that it was nearly time , they began urging him to get ready . Chapter 22