The applause faded as Sophie and Alexander returned to their table.

The first dance had left a hush hanging in the garden — not silence, but reverence. Something sacred had passed through the space, and now the world resumed in softer, slower rhythms.

Guests returned to their conversations. The quartet shifted into a mellow tune, encouraging more couples onto the dance floor. Camellia, clipboard in hand, moved efficiently between tables, checking lighting angles and coordinating the next sequence with staff through her earpiece.

Sophie took a small sip of champagne, her eyes following the flickering candlelight that danced across the glasses.

Alexander sat beside her, one arm draped loosely over...