The morning sky stretched wide and soft, painted with streaks of gold and delicate clouds. It was the kind of morning that whispered promises—of joy, of love, of forever. Inside Charlotte’s house, laughter filled the air like music. The scent of flowers and faint notes of vanilla-scented candles danced in the corners of the bridal room.

Riele sat in front of the mirror, dressed in a white silk robe, her eyes still. Her reflection didn’t quite feel like her—it looked too ...