The garden was a dream.
Fairy lights tangled with climbing ivy, glowing in soft gold above the long white tables dressed in linen and glass. Bougainvillea bloomed in fierce pinks at every trellis, and crystal chandeliers hung from thick branches like floating stars. The scent of roses, citrus, and aged wine wove through the air. It was decadent. It was perfect. It was Luca.
Eliana took it all in as she stepped through the archway, her cream silk dress fluttering at her knees. She felt the eyes. Not in a bad way. Just the usual flutter of curiosity. She belonged now. She wasn't new. But there were still whispers. Still glances.
And it wasn't because of her.
It was because of Nicky.
He was moving from table to table, smile tight, posture flawless. He looked immaculate in a deep green suit, soft curls tucked back, skin glowing under the lights. But Eliana saw it.
The tension.
