The reception was held in a grand ballroom adorned with sparkling chandeliers, cascading floral arrangements, and soft candlelight that bathed the room in a golden glow. The tables were draped in ivory linens, each centerpiece a masterpiece of white roses, peonies, and greenery. The air buzzed with excitement and laughter as guests mingled, clinking glasses of champagne and congratulating the newlyweds.
Isabella tried her best to join in the celebration. She plastered on a smile and made polite conversation, accepting compliments on her dress and hair. She even managed to laugh at a few jokes, but underneath it all, a heavy weight pressed on her chest. She couldn’t shake the feeling of unease that had settled in her stomach since the wedding ceremony. The smile on her face felt strained,
