Epilogue / Prologue Bridge
Sophie's POV
I didn't like weddings.
Not because of the dresses or the noise or the way everyone suddenly acted like love fixed everything.
But because of the way people looked at each other.
Like they were promising things no one could actually guarantee.
Forever.
Always.
Never.
Words that sounded beautiful… until they broke.
I stood near the edge of the reception hall, away from the dancing, away from the laughter, watching everything like I didn't quite belong in it.
Maybe I didn't.
"Sophie, why are you hiding over here?"
I glanced over as Lia waddled toward me, slightly unsteady on her feet but determined, her tiny hands reaching up.
"I'm not hiding," I said, crouching down to pick her up. "I'm observing."
"You always say that," Alicia said, appearing behind her.
She looked… different tonight.
Not just happy. Peaceful.
Like whatever storms used to live inside her had finally gone quiet.
"You're thinking too much again," she added.
