The photographer snapped away, and to the crowd it looked like nothing more than nerves. The music began. One by one, the bridesmaids walked the aisle, children tossing petals at their feet. At last, Clara appeared with her father at her side. Gasps rose from the guests.
Liam’s eyes locked on hers, glimmering with something she couldn’t quite name—love, nerves, or something darker. Each step carried her closer to the altar, to the promise of her future. Everything looked flawless, exactly as she had imagined. Her family was there, her sister radiant beside her, Liam waiting at the end of the aisle.