Chapter 84 Before The Aisle

• The morning sun rose with quiet reluctance, casting soft gold light through the sheer curtains of Zara’s room. The scent of freshly ironed lace and light citrus oils lingered faintly in the air — signs that preparations had started long before dawn.
• Zara sat at the edge of her bed, her silk robe drawn tightly around her body. Her eyes were open but unfocused, staring at nothing in particular. The house around her buzzed with life — hurried footsteps, the clatter of cutlery in the kitchen, voices calling across rooms — but inside her, there was only stillness. She hadn’t said a word since she woke up.
• Her phone lay beside her, screen dark, notifications ignored. She had no interest in the world beyond these walls. Not today.