STARTSTRUCK ROMANCE

Sophia Miller had always imagined her wedding day would feel like the end of a long journey-relief, fulfillment, the quiet certainty that all her sacrifices had finally been worth it. She had pictured warmth blooming in her chest, imagined tears of joy blurring her vision as she walked toward the man she loved.

But as she stood at the entrance of the church, her arm looped through her father's, what she felt instead was a strange, inexplicable tightness.

The doors opened slowly.

Soft music drifted through the air, delicate and reverent. White roses lined the aisle in perfect symmetry, their petals pristine, untouched. Sunlight filtered through stained glass windows, casting gentle colors across the marble floor. Every detail had been planned meticulously-by her.

By Sophia Miller.

Guests turned in unison. Smiles bloomed. Phones were discreetly raised. Whispers followed her steps.

"She looks so beautiful."

"They've been together since childhood, right?"

"Such a fairy tale."

Sophia smiled, because that was what a bride was supposed to do. Her lips curved gracefully, her posture flawless, her steps measured. The custom-made gown hugged her frame perfectly, layers of silk and lace trailing behind her like a promise.

Andrew Cole stood at the altar waiting.

He looked handsome in his tailored suit, tall and confident, his dark hair styled neatly. When their eyes met, he smiled-a familiar smile that had once made her heart race, that had once convinced her she could endure anything as long as he was by her side.

Her fingers tightened slightly around the bouquet.

She had loved Andrew for as long as she could remember.

Back when they were children, when her world was still small and uncomplicated, Andrew had been the boy who walked her home, who stood up for her when others teased her for being too quiet. As teenagers, he had been her first love, her first heartbreak, her first obsession. As adults, he had become her entire world.

She had built her life around him.

The aisle felt longer than she expected.

With each step, memories surfaced unbidden-late nights waiting for his calls, excuses made on his behalf, opportunities she had given up because Andrew "needed time." She remembered paying his tuition when he struggled, introducing him to connections when his career stalled, defending him when her family questioned his intentions.

He just needs time, she had always said.

Love means patience, she had insisted.

At the altar, Andrew reached out and took her hand. His palm was warm, his grip firm but not tight. She searched his face for nerves, for emotion, for anything that mirrored the storm quietly churning inside her.

She found none.

The ceremony proceeded smoothly. Vows were exchanged. Promises spoken aloud before witnesses and God.

When it was her turn, Sophia's voice wavered only slightly.

"I, Sophia Miller, choose you, Andrew Cole," she said, her gaze fixed on him. "To walk with you through every joy and hardship, to support you, to believe in you, for as long as we both shall live."

She meant every word.

Andrew's vow was practiced, eloquent. He spoke of gratitude, of partnership, of a future built together. The words were right. The tone was right.

Yet something was missing.

As applause filled the church and the officiant pronounced them husband and wife, Andrew leaned down and kissed her. Cameras flashed. Cheers erupted.

Sophia closed her eyes.

And for just a brief moment-so fleeting she almost dismissed it-she felt a chill instead of warmth.

The reception was lavish, as expected of the Miller family. Crystal chandeliers sparkled above polished floors. Champagne flowed freely. Laughter echoed across the hall.

Sophia moved through it all like a porcelain doll-smiling, nodding, accepting congratulations.

Andrew stayed by her side, attentive in public, his arm possessive around her waist. To anyone watching, they were the picture of newlywed bliss.

But Sophia noticed the details others didn't.

How his smile faded the moment guests turned away.

How his hand loosened from hers whenever his phone vibrated.

How his eyes drifted-not toward her, but toward the cluster of executives and investors gathered near her parents.

"You must be exhausted," Andrew said lightly as the night wore on. "Why don't you rest a bit? I'll handle the rest."

Sophia hesitated. "Together?"

He paused for half a second too long. "There are people I should talk to. For our future."

For our future.

She nodded. "Alright."

She watched him walk away, his steps confident, purposeful. Someone clapped him on the shoulder. Laughter followed. He fit in seamlessly-too seamlessly.

A familiar unease settled in her chest.

Later that night, in the quiet of their bedroom, the grandeur of the day faded. The room was dimly lit, petals scattered across the bed in a romantic display arranged by the staff.

Sophia sat on the edge of the bed, carefully removing her earrings. Her reflection stared back at her from the mirror-beautiful, composed, and strangely distant.

Andrew emerged from the bathroom, loosening his tie.