The bells tolled across the city, deep and golden, their echoes rolling over rooftops and winding through cobbled streets. Today was no ordinary day—it was the day of Ares and Chloe's wedding. Every corner of the grounds shimmered with grandeur. White roses wound around marble pillars, golden drapes cascaded from the high ceiling of the cathedral, and the long red carpet stretched from the grand entrance to the altar like a river of fire.
It was an event that seemed to halt the entire city. Nobles, lords, and ladies from across distant lands filled the cathedral pews. They leaned forward with eager eyes, clothed in velvets and silks that reflected the glow of candlelight. Whispers rustled like leaves in the forest—about Chloe's beauty, about Ares's strength, about the fairy tale perfection of this union.
Lady Bianca had spared no expense. She moved about earlier in the morning like a commander leading her troops, orchestrating the final touches—the bouquets of white lilies at every table, the musicians rehearsing their soft melodies, the attendants bowing in crisp precision. Now she sat near the front row, her eyes glimmering with satisfaction and pride. To her, this day was more than just a wedding—it was victory.
And then there was Chloe.
She stood in the bride's chambers moments before the procession, her heart racing as the seamstresses arranged the last pearls along her veil. The gown was a dream woven into reality: layers of ivory silk, embroidered with gold thread that shimmered like sunlight on water. A delicate crown rested on her head, its diamonds catching every flicker of light. Her hands trembled slightly, but her smile was radiant.
She thought of how far she had come—once a simple young woman navigating hardship, now standing on the threshold of being married to Ares, the man whose presence filled her world like fire and air.
When the doors of the cathedral opened and she stepped inside, the crowd gasped audibly. Chloe glided forward, her arm gently linked with Kamal and Jamal, who served as the "little groom," while Beauty and Pretty with flower petals—her children in spirit—skipped happily down the aisle as the "little bride." Their innocence crowned the moment with sweetness.
Ares stood waiting at the altar, tall and striking, his eyes fixed only on Chloe. His dark suit was embroidered with symbols of his house, his posture regal yet softened by the unmistakable emotion in his eyes. When he saw her approach, something inside him melted…she wasn't just his bride, she was like a mother to his kids.
As Chloe reached the altar, their hands met. Warmth flooded her chest. The priest's voice rose, solemn and lyrical, weaving vows that seemed to echo into eternity. They promised loyalty, love, sacrifice, and partnership. Each word tied them closer, string by string, until there was no seam between them.
Finally, the priest lifted his hand.
"You may now seal this union with a kiss."
The cathedral roared with applause, people rising to their feet. Musicians lifted their instruments, releasing a triumphant song that swirled toward the ceiling.
Chloe turned to Ares, her eyes brimming with tears. She hesitated only a fraction, then leaned forward. And in a bold move that shocked some of the guests, she pulled him toward her, pressing her lips to his with the certainty of a woman who had chosen her love without fear.
The kiss was fire and celebration and promise.
A voice sliced through the music, sharp as broken glass.
"NO!"
The shout ricocheted through the cathedral, freezing every body mid motion. Gasps and murmurs rippled across the crowd as heads swiveled toward the massive doors at the back.
There, framed against the sunlight pouring in from outside, stood Tessa.
Her hair was disheveled but her eyes blazed with fury and pain. Her dress clung to her, dusty from travel, her chest rising and falling with the force of her breath. Behind her, Ayisha and Mariam hovered anxiously, their faces pale with tension but their resolve unwavering….they had followed her here, standing as her shields even now.
The guests broke into whispers, confusion unraveling in the hall. Who was this woman? Why had she interrupted the most glorious wedding of the decade?
But Ares… Ares knew her.
And Chloe—Chloe froze, her lips still tingling from the kiss. Her eyes widened as recognition slammed into her. She had not expected to see Tessa here—not like this, not at this moment.
Tessa's feet moved before she could stop herself, carrying her down the long red carpet, her steps echoing like thunder. Each stride was charged with emotion—anger, longing, heartbreak. Her gaze never left Chloe, as though Chloe were the only person in the room.
"No," Tessa repeated, her voice breaking this time, raw with pain. "This cannot happen."
Security stationed near the sides stiffened, unsure if they should move. The nobles whispered louder, their curiosity boiling into scandalous excitement. Lady Bianca rose sharply from her seat, her fan snapping closed in her hand.
But Tessa did not care.
She reached the altar, her chest heaving as she came face to face with Chloe. For a moment, time seemed to collapse, the cathedral, the people, the music—all vanished into silence. It was just Tessa and Chloe, the air between them taut with everything left unsaid.
Chloe's lips parted, but no sound came out. Her hand still rested in Ares's, yet her eyes flickered with shock, guilt, confusion.
Ayisha and Mariam had followed Tessa up the aisle, standing firmly at her sides. They were out of place in this glittering world, but they radiated defiance, daring anyone to drag their friend away.
The silence broke when Ares stepped forward. His voice, deep and commanding, cut through the tension.
"Tessa?"
The single word echoed in the hall, reverberating through every corner.
Every head in the cathedral turned toward him. Gasps spilled into the air as the weight of his recognition fell heavy.