97

SOME DAYS LATER

The alarm blared endlessly, and to Camila, it sounded like wedding bells. But instead of excitement, it brought a heavy sense of dread—a nightmare she wished she could wake up from.

“Miss, it’s time,” the maid said softly, gently tapping her shoulder.

Camila groggily opened her eyes. A wedding gown stood prominently on a mannequin, and hairstylists and makeup artists were already bustling in the room, preparing for the day.

“Congratulations, ma’am, you’re getting married today,” they greeted her in unison. She forced a smile in response, though her heart weighed heavily.

Dragging herself to the shower, Camila let the water cascade over her. She tried...