Lina's POV
The ceremony was beautiful—intimate and heartfelt in a way that made my eyes sting with unshed tears. When it ended and the reception began, I considered leaving.
But Chloe found me first, her eyes bright with barely contained excitement.
"Stay for dinner!" she begged. "Please? Just a little longer?"
I had nothing waiting for me at home except insomnia and dark thoughts.
At least here, surrounded by celebration and joy, I could pretend to be normal. Could bask in other people's happiness even if my own had crumbled to dust.
"Alright," I agreed. "But you go enjoy yourself. Don't worry about keeping me company."
"You sure?" She bit her lip, clearly torn between staying with me and pursuing whatever mission she'd set for herself tonight.
"I'm sure. Go. Hav
