Betty's POV

When the ceremony ended, the guests slowly moved toward the mansion for the reception. The estate that usually felt warm now carried a quiet heaviness as people filled its halls.

Ivan guided me away from the main crowd and led me to the balcony overlooking the garden. He placed a bar of chocolate in my hand without saying much.

“You should rest,” he said. I looked at him. My legs felt weak from standing so long, so I nodded.

“Okay,” I said softly.

He gave me a small ...