THE CEREMONY
3:47 PM — Moretti Estate, The House
The white tent glowed in the afternoon light.
Aria stood at the back door of her childhood home, looking out at the garden where everything was ready. The chairs were arranged in perfect rows, white fabric draped over the backs. Flowers deep red roses and white roses marked the aisle. The fountain stood at the end, framed by more flowers, more beauty, more reclamation of trauma transformed into celebration.
Two hundred guests were seated. Political figures, foundation staff, Commission members, the handful of people who actually mattered in Aria’s and Dante’s lives. They were all waiting. All turned toward the aisle. All ready to witness the ceremony.
The string quartet began playing.
It was Vivaldi’s “Spring” a choice that felt signif
