Emilia stood in front of the mirror, the soft fabric of her wedding dress flowing around her like a gentle wave. She turned this way and that, admiring the way the dress hugged her curves, shimmering in the morning light. Just as she reached for the veil hanging nearby, the door swung open.

“Surprise!” Freya called out, her voice bright and cheerful. Behind her, Emilia’s mother beamed proudly, while Draven leaned casually against the doorframe, a playful smirk on his face.

Emilia’s heart skipped a beat. “You guys! I wasn’t expecting you!”

“Of course you weren’t,” Freya said, stepping inside with her mother. “We wanted to see the bride before...