[Carter Mansion]
Evelyn stood near the mirror, adjusting the strap of her dress for the third time even though it was already perfect.
Patricia was by the door, checking her phone with keys dangling from her fingers.
"Okay," she said brightly. "The car is downstairs, the music playlist is elite and I have officially banned all wedding talk for the next four hours."
Evelyn smiled faintly. "You say that every time."
"And every time you ignore me," Patricia shot back.
Evelyn's phone buzzed in her hand.
It was Alexander.
Her smile softened instantly as she answered the video call.
His face filled the screen looking handsome as always but something about him felt distant. It was not cold, just preoccupied.
"Hey," she said gently. "Are you ready for your big night?"
"Almost," he replied, lips curving into a smile that didn't quite reach his eyes. "Lucas is being unbearable already."
She laughed but her gaze lingered on him.
"You okay?" she asked softly.
