Zoe POV

The hall is the kind of beautiful that takes a moment to process—high ceilings strung with warm light, long tables draped in white and gold, flowers arranged in tall centerpieces that catch the candlelight and throw it in every direction. The music is live, a string quartet positioned near the far wall, and the whole room hums with the particular warmth of a crowd that has been celebrating for days and hasn't run out of reasons yet.

I take James's arm as we walk in, ...