Chapter 16: 16

Morning arrived wrapped in so gold, sunlight spilling across the Ashford estate with a serenity that felt almost cruel. White roses lined the courtyard aisle, their fragrance dri ing through the warm air. Guests filled the seats in elegant clusters of pastels and muted suits. There was music, so and delicate, weaving through the air like a blessing. Everything looked perfect. Everything felt wrong. Avaline stood before the tall mirror in the bridal suite, her fingers gliding across the...