#Chapter 19: Bound by Vows

The wedding venue was a vision of ethereal beauty. White lilies and roses cascaded from every archway, crystal chandeliers cast dancing light across silk-draped walls, and a carpet of cream petals traced the path I would soon walk. It was perfect, like a dream pulled from my childhood imagination—except it wasn't my dream anymore. It was a beautiful facade for an ugly arrangement. I sat motionless before the vanity mirror in the bridal suite, watching the stylist place the final pearl pins in my hair. My reflection seemed like a stranger's—this poised, elegant woman in ivory lace couldn't be me. "Aurora?" My mother's gentle voice pulled me from my thoughts. She stood in the doorway, supported by a nurse, her face pale but radiant with pride. "My beautiful girl." I rose immediately to help her to a chair. "Mom, you shouldn't have pushed yourself to come." She cupped my cheek. "I wouldn't miss this for anything in the world." Her words twisted like a knife in my chest. She di