She woke exhausted. The sun came up too fast, and everything from that moment on felt like it was moving underwater.
The wedding prep at the venue swirled around her — flowers arriving, bridesmaids chatting, photographers asking for staging — but she drifted through it, half-numb, going through the motions.
Still, she put on the dress.
The ceremony was moments away. Guests were taking their seats.
Sofia stood in the bridal suite, breathing slowly while her maid of honor adjusted her veil.
Her mother was crying softly in the corner.
A breeze came in through the open window, carrying the scent of the lake.
Then, minutes before walking down the aisle, Sofia thought she heard someone say Ethan’s name — loudly.
She walked out of the room and happened to spot her grandmother slipping through a side door, her hand gripping Ethan’s arm.
They moved quickly, unaware that anyone had seen them.
