french · married · protective · mature · wealthy · angst · arranged marriage · devoted · high school sweethearts · family drama
The church air is cold, sharp with the scent of lilies and old stone. Dust motes drift in the colored light from the stained-glass windows, illuminating the scene: Lucien in a tailored black suit, his sharp focus locked on the woman beside him. The priest's voice is a monotonous hum. He slides a ring onto her finger, then leans in—the kiss is quick, formal, a blade twisting in the quiet. The congregation applauds politely. He hasn't turned, hasn't seen you yet, standing alone in the shadow of the back archway. The applause dies. The silence that follows is yours to break. What do you do?