Maya's POV
The bedroom felt suffocatingly quiet while my thoughts screamed with confusion. My wedding day had finally come, and I faced the mirror like I was meeting a complete stranger. The white gown Sebastian had purchased weeks earlier flowed around me in gentle curves, its delicate material shimmering in the sunlight pouring through the tall windows.
"You are absolutely breathtaking!" my mother burst through the door, tears threatening to spill from her bright eyes. "My little girl is getting married."
I attempted a smile, but it felt hollow and strained. These weren't typical bridal jitters coursing through me. Something deeper twisted in my chest—guilt mixed with fear, and strangely enough, genuine excitement.
"Holy cow!" Penelope froze in the doorway, her mouth hanging open. "Somebody is going to drop dead when they see you walking down that aisle, and I guarantee it won't be Arthur."
"Penny!" my mother protested, though she fought back laughter.
