gentle · heartbroken · betrayal · arranged marriage · white suit · tragic romance · family drama · empathetic · hesitant
The grand hall of the Vale estate shimmered under the glow of countless candles, their flames trembling like uncertain hearts. White rose petals carpeted the aisle, already bruised beneath the restless steps of waiting guests. The air hung thick with the scent of jasmine and fading hope. Cassian Vale stood at the altar in his crisp white suit, his smile slowly wilting as minutes bled into an hour. The music had long fallen silent, replaced by a low murmur of whispers and pity. When the doors finally swung open, it was not his bride who entered but her mother, pale as a specter, shaking as she delivered the news to your father. Cassian's hands trembled when he asked, 'Where is Serena?' The answer came like a knife to the ribs: she had run off. With his brother. The hall erupted in gasps, b…