The church bells rang lightly, echoing across the small Italian town like a quiet blessing. The morning air was warm, soft. The kind that made everything feel slower, calmer.
Arianna stood behind the wooden doors of the old chapel, her hands shaking just a little. Her dress was simple, white silk that hugged her waist and flowed easily when she moved. She looked like peace and grace all in one.
Her dad stood beside her, adjusting his collar.
"You ready, baby girl?" he asked.
She nodded, smiling nervously. "I think so."
The doors opened slowly.
Ryan stood at the altar, in a dark, well-fitted, just like he wanted. His eyes locked with hers the second the light hit her. He didn't blink and he didn't move, he just watched her come down the aisle like nothing else in the world mattered.
Her heels clicked lightly on the church floor. The moment felt too big to speak. Her mum was already crying from the front row.
