Chapter 11

The lights dimmed as the wedding ceremony began. Adrian stood tall on the stage, his back facing the grand entrance. The spotlight burned hot on his shoulders, but all he could feel was his heart pounding so violently that it might burst through his chest. Soon, the music started—soft notes of the piano piece he and Ivanna had painstakingly chosen together. They had rejected the traditional wedding march. It just felt too common and cliché. He remembered how they'd gone through recording after recording, until he couldn't stand to hear another note. Ivanna had felt guilty and blamed herself for being too picky then. But he had only pulled her into his arms, stroking her hair as he whispered, "Come on, honey. Marrying you is my greatest dream. How could I ever call you picky? Our wedding has to be perfect." And now, she was behind him. The moment he heard the approaching footsteps, Adrian turned around, his lips already curling into a smile. "Ivanna, I..." The words got caught in