"Elena, you look stunning," the makeup artist said, stepping back with a satisfied smile.
Elena glanced at her reflection. The white silk dress hugged her figure perfectly, the veil falling softly over her shoulders. Everyone around her kept repeating the same words—beautiful, lucky, perfect.
She smiled faintly. "Thank you."
Her hands, though, trembled slightly in her lap. She told herself it was just nerves. Every bride felt this way on her wedding day.
A knock came at the door. Her bridesmaid peeked in, her eyes widening. "They're ready for you."
Elena stood, clutching her bouquet. Her legs felt like glass as she walked out, step by step, toward the grand hall.
The doors opened, and a wave of sound hit her—gasps, whispers, cameras flashing. The aisle was lined with flowers glowing under the lights. Guests turned in unison, all eyes on her.
Her gaze lifted to the altar. Alexander stood there, tall, composed, smiling. The man she was about to marry. Wealthy, respected, everything her family had ever wanted for her.
He caught her eyes and gave a small nod. Steady. Reassuring. For a moment, her heart calmed.
Maybe this was right. Maybe today really could be perfect.
But then—
The doors behind her opened again.
A hush fell over the room.
Elena froze mid-step. Slowly, she turned her head.
And her breath caught.
It was Adrian.
His eyes locked on hers, unblinking, unwavering, as if no one else in the room existed.
Her fingers tightened on the bouquet. No. This wasn't possible. He wasn't supposed to be here. Not now. Not ever.
She forced herself to keep walking, though every step felt heavier than the last. Her smile faltered, but she couldn't let anyone see.
Alexander was still smiling, still waiting, completely unaware of the storm that had just entered the room.
But Elena knew. She could see it in Adrian's eyes—the weight, the secret, the promise of chaos.
Her perfect day wasn't perfect anymore.
It had just begun to unravel.