The wedding ended in laughter, music, and the soft glow of lanterns drifting into the Santorini night.
Elara stood near the terrace, the ocean stretching endlessly before her, the sound of waves gentle against the cliffs. It had been beautiful—everything about it. The vows. The love. The certainty.
Something her own wedding had never been.
“Hey,” Lila’s voice came softly.
Elara turned.
Lila smiled warmly, stepping closer. “You’re leaving already?”
Elara nodded. “We fly out this afternoon.”
Lila’s expression softened. “I’m really glad you came. And I mean that.” She reached out, squeezing Elara’s hand gently. “Keep in touch, okay? Not just for formalities. I’d like that.”
Elara smiled—genuine, unguarded. “I would too.”
Behind Lila, Derek appeared, already grinning.
“Look at you,”
