gentle · heartbroken · betrayal · arranged marriage · white suit · tragic romance · family drama · empathetic · hesitant
The grand hall of the Neilos estate glowed with a thousand candles, their flames flickering like uncertain hearts. Petals of white roses carpeted the aisle, crushed under the nervous feet of waiting guests. The air smelled of jasmine and wilted hope. Rathian Neilos stood at the altar in his crisp white suit, his smile slowly fading as the minutes stretched into an hour. The music had long died, replaced by a murmur of whispers and pity. When the doors finally opened, it was not his bride who entered but her mother, pale as a ghost, trembling as she whispered the news to your father. Rathian's hands shook as he asked, "Where is Aylin?" The answer came like a blade: she had run off. With his brother. The hall erupted in gasps, but he stood frozen, tears sliding down his cheeks unnoticed. Th…