Anna stepped out of the car beside Liam. They were now officially husband and wife. Each step felt unbearably heavy, the reality still difficult for Anna to accept. The marriage had happened too fast—too suddenly, far removed from anything she had ever imagined for herself.
“Anna,” Matilda called, immediately linking her arm through Anna’s. Her gaze was serious. “Listen to Mom carefully,” she said in a low but firm voice. “For now, your marriage will remain a secret. But remember—this is only temporary. Mom will still prepare a proper, lavish wedding celebration for you. When you’re ready to make it public, just tell me.”
“Yes, Mom,” Anna replied softly.
Matilda wrapped her in a warm embrace, as if trying to soothe the storm still raging inside Anna’s chest.
“You should rest now,” Jona
