Sophia stood on the lush green lawn of the Hamilton Estate, her eyes fixed on a distant point beyond the hedges. Her mind wandered, lost in thoughts. She looked emaciated, exhausted and trapped in her own wedding dress as the priest droned on.

The priest’s voice cut through her mind, jolting her back to the present. “Do you, Miss Hamilton?” he questioned, his eyes filled with excitement.

Sophia’s gaze drifted to Pierce, who glared at her with a mixture of annoyance and triumph. With a quiet sigh, she turned to the priest and whispered, “I do.”

The priest’s voice echoed through the silent gathering, sending shivers down her spine, “By...