The sun rose softly over the Martin mansion, spilling golden light through the tall glass windows. The morning was quiet, peaceful — but that peace was about to shatter in the most unexpected way.
Lydia stood before her small mirror, holding the light-blue dress Jacob had given her days ago. Her fingers trembled as she traced the soft fabric. The gift had been sitting in her drawer untouched, as though waiting for the right moment — and today, something inside her whispered that the time had come.
She slipped into the dress slowly, her heart racing. It fit perfectly, hugging her slender frame, flowing gracefully at the hem. When she looked at herself, she barely recognized the reflection staring back — radiant, elegant, and full of quiet strength.
She tied her hair loosely and smiled sh
