The late afternoon sun bathed the grounds of Draco's estate in a golden glow. Elegant white blossoms hung from twisted iron arches, and lanterns swayed gently in the warm April breeze. Everything was perfect — breathtaking, magical.

Draco stood tall in a black suit. He looked like he couldn't believe this was real — that you were real — and about to be his forever.

Your heart raced, a mix of joy and nervous anticipation.

But behind you, standing among the rows of finely dressed guests, Regulus was watching.

His expression was unreadable, but you knew him well enough to catch the flicker of something raw beneath the surface. Regulus had always been good at masking his emotions, but today — today, his walls weren't as impenetrable.

You had loved him once. Deeply. But that love had burned too hot, too wild, leaving behind ashes that neither of you knew how to sift through. And now here you were, walking toward another man.

The past was a strange thing — it lingered even when you tried to leave it behind.

When you reached Draco, he took your hand without hesitation, grounding you.

The priest’s voice carried through the gentle rustle of leaves. "Do you take this man to be your lawful husband?"

“I do,” you said.

Draco’s lips quirked into a rare smile, filled with endless devotion.

“And do you, Draco, take her to be your lawful wife?”

“I do,” he said, his voice low and certain.

“You may now kiss the bride.”

Draco leaned down, his hand cradling the side of your face as he kissed you.

The crowd erupted into applause, but your mind flickered to the one person who hadn't clapped.

Regulus.

You caught a glimpse of him as he turned away. He disappeared through the garden path without a word, his shoulders stiff but composed.

A pang of guilt twisted in your chest, but you knew better than to follow.

Draco was your future — steady, certain, and safe.

But no matter how much time passed, you knew one thing would remain etched into your heart forever: your first love, Regulus. Some loves never truly fade.