The Seal

that mirrored a star-streaked sky. The world seemed to still for a heartbeat. Audrey's breat

r head against his shoul

y. "Our parents haven't even approved of our union, and you k

ul mood shifted into a he

plied, his voice firm but pleading. "I understand how demanding my parents can be, but

caught in the tug-of-war

mile returning, "my family's hostin

nd frantic. "Wait... really? A

," he said, brushing a strand of hair from her

sed as they both drove home, hope blooming

dreamt of marrying her childhood sweethe

-

the mirror, her hands trembling slightly as she adjusted the delicate straps of the g

open, and there stood Gr

entarily speechless. "My mom won't be able to take

laugh. "Thank you for the dress. I had no id

thing for my girl," he said

ross the center console. As they approached the Cons

r since childhood. The stunning aesthetic of the house was breathtaking, making it seem almost sacred. The floors gleamed with such brilliance that she felt almost unworthy to step on t

only reminded her that she hadn't eaten all day. Another day lost to work and worry, she t

et of fresh lilies so extravagant it seemed to defy nature. The glimmering lights cast a soft glow over the meticu

he's here!" Gr

yes t

eels clicking like a ticking clock. Her expression froze. Her p

rely meeting Audrey's eyes, as

shifted with his presence, calm, commanding. His eyes found Audr

tchen, waiting for her mother to finish her shift. Back then, he'd seemed like a god: unreachable, benev

ass. "Let's make a toast. Tonight is about family, unity, and

turning the meal into a struggle, each bite a lump of despair. Each polite smile felt like a paper cut. Every glance from the guests delivered a si

rances. He tried to ensure that everything unfolded seamlessly. But Audrey could see the

r the table. I've come this

crept in, it was f

a voice sharp and furious rang through the a

re

Her voice crac

t happened to Tasha? What happened to the ladies of Salock State? That girl, she's beneath you! She doesn't belong here. Her mother was your nanny, for crying out loud! How

ey f

s father, hoping he could say something. He knew that his mother often resorted to t

kingly built our reputation, and it would be beneath us to associate with non-entities. You have to understand that this is the least you can do for us. That's why we sent Audrey and her mother away, but you have chosen to continue seeing her. I'm your father,

ded in her chest, e

igree. She's not even from our world,"

oached her son. "Please, Greg, listen to your father. Let her g

nce was

n s

ehind him as Gr

ared moments later, car keys in h

he said, h

oft hum of the engine and the familiar melody o

quiet nights under stars. Their love had started in the shadows, her mother, his nanny, had raised

two souls clinging t

working at the hospital with little to no time to care for their only son. Their families re

eable Audrey was and promised to sponsor her education. She relocated to Greg's school to gain a more comprehensive education, and he had always stood up for her, defending her against the class

hike and suffered severe injuries. This angered Greg's parents, prompting them to send Audrey and her mother aw

he was certain he would choose her over and over again without any regrets. She

ent building. The engine's hum faded into an opp

ng wheel. His breathing was shallow, labored,

go," he said, the words tum

impossible to be true. She turned to face him, searching his eyes

she whispered, her v

he finally looked at her, and she saw something t

y. "Maybe they're right. Maybe

ts relentless pulse, but inside the car, time had stopped. Audrey felt her hea

lickered in Greg's eyes, a flash of the boy who use

s far from over. Because the Greg she knew, the one who had l

something that woul