Beneath the mask

in front of the mirror, her reflection staring back at her like a stranger. The ivory gown hugged her figure perfectl

elegant updo adorned with tiny pearls. "You look beautiful

lutched her bouquet of white roses. "Thank you, So

Guests had begun to arrive-members of the Rossi and Moretti families, along with a few trusted allie

his expression unreadable. "It's time,

gether, they walked down the grand staircase and through the halls of the mansio

r of smiles and curiosity. Elena's eyes immediately found Luca, standing at the a

tly, as if he were reluctant to let her go. When they reached the altar, h

ceremony began, the priest's words blending together in a haze of vows and prom

to her finger, his touch sending a shiver down her spine. Elena did

ife," the priest declared, his voi

ef and chaste, but it sent a jolt of electricity through Elena. She felt a strange mi

s. Elena sat at the head table, her smile plastered on as she nodded and thanked the guest

wn on her. She excused herself and slipped away from the festiviti

tsteps behind her. She turned to see Luca approac

said, his voice calm b

ent," Elena replied,

"This isn't easy for either of us," he said

rt aching with a mix of emotion

. "I do. And I meant what I said earlier.

erself to hope. Maybe Luca wasn't the monster she had imagined

of calm wash over her. She didn't know what the future held, bu