###9
9
At the lavish wedding, Delilah walked slowly down the red carpet, draped in a pure white gown worth millions. Her arm was linked with her father’s, her mother by her side, beaming with pride. With each step, she seemed to float over the rose petals beneath her heels-petals carefully laid out to match the Wren family’s vision of perfection.
At the end of the aisle stood Daniel in a tailored suit, handsome and poised, waiting like a man from a fairy tale. Around them, guests whispered in awe, cameras clicked, and the soft strains of the wedding march filled the air.
Overhead, a single plane carved a clean, white trail across the clear blue sky. It passed swiftly disappearing beyond the skyline. Unconsciously, Daniel, the Wren couple, and Julian all looked
their gazes following that fading streak in the clouds.
up,
For a moment, none of them spoke.
It felt as though something invisible had been torn from the air-quietly, cleanly-leaving behind a strange emptiness in their chests.
Daniel’s fingers twitched. Hidden in the inner pocket of his suit jacket was a ten-carat diamonc ring. Heavy. Cold. It had been meant for Ava.
He could still see her face in his mind: her stubborn eyes sparkling like stars whenever she smiled. If she were here tonight-if things had been different-this would have been her moment. Her ring. Her wedding.
Marrying him had been her greatest wish, second only to becoming a leading actress.
He felt his lips tug into a faint, wistful smile.
“Daniel?” Delilah’s voice broke through his thoughts. She tilted her head, her tone soft and sweet “What are you smiling about?”
He blinked, the moment gone. “Nothing,” he said, lips curving into a practiced smile. “Today’s your dream come true. Let’s not keep everyone waiting.”
He didn’t mention Ava. He pushed down the ache that rose in his chest and offered Delilah his arm. She smiled brightly, tears of joy in her eyes.
The ceremony continued.
Under a cascade of flashing lights and applause, the couple climbed the stage. The officiant spoke warmly. The vows were exchanged. Then came the signal.
“You may now kiss the bride!”
Delilah shyly closed her eyes. Her long lashes fluttered, her face tilted up expectantly.
Daniel hesitated.
Her lips were close-close enough to touch-but his feet felt rooted. A wall rose between them, invisible yet solid.
“Kiss her already!” someone shouted from the crowd, laughter following.
“Come on, you’ve already done the rest-why act shy now?” another voice jeered.
SENCIAL SOLIDARI
The emcee chuckled awkwardly, trying to lighten the mood. The cameras rolled.
3
Julian leaned forward from the front row. “It’s just a kiss. You’re being broadcast live. Are you really going to leave Delilah with regrets on her big day?”
Tears welled in Delilah’s eyes. She looked so delicate, like she might shatter with the wind.
Daniel clenched his jaw, forcing down the irritation rising in his chest. He leaned in-closer, closer still-his lips hovering just above the corner of hers.
Then-
“Excuse me!”
A sharp, clear voice cut through the wedding hall like a blade.
“Is this Mr. Julian and Mr. Daniel? We have an expedited delivery that requires your signature.” Gasps rippled through the crowd.
All heads turned.
At the entrance stood a courier in a standard uniform, holding a package and completely unfazed by the sea of stunned, overdressed wedding guests. He walked straight toward the stage with firm, unhurried steps.
The bride and groom froze. Julian rose halfway from his seat. Mr. and Mrs. Wren stared dumbfounded.
A package? Delivered mid-ceremony?
It was unheard of.
