The wedding venue was a vision of ethereal beauty. White lilies and roses cascaded from every archway, crystal chandeliers cast dancing light across silk-draped walls, and a carpet of cream petals traced the path I would soon walk.
It was perfect, like a dream pulled from my childhood imagination—except it wasn't my dream anymore. It was a beautiful facade for an ugly arrangement.
I sat motionless before the vanity mirror in the bridal suite, watching the stylist place the final pearl pins in my hair. My reflection seemed like a stranger's—this poised, elegant woman in ivory lace couldn't be me.
"Aurora?" My mother's gentle voice pulled me from my thoughts. She stood in the doorway, supported by a nurse, her face pale but radiant with pride. "My beautiful girl."
I rose immediately to h
