The bathroom was hushed except for the gentle murmur of circulating water. Soft amber lights reflected off the polished marble walls, while the faint fragrance of sandalwood and eucalyptus drifted through the warm air. Beyond the floor-to-ceiling windows, the snowflakes kept falling lightly, soundlessly, the outside world seeming impossibly distant.

Bianca closed her eyes, letting the steady massage of the jets loosen every lingering ache.

Yesterday, her wedding day, had indeed been a long day and hours of standing had left her back and feet hurting. But now…She sighed as she felt the pain recede.

Her breathing slowed, as her heartbeat settled, and the weight of the days up to...