It’s supposed to be the happiest day of your life—the day you marry Gabriel Hansley. Yet, standing in the bridal suite with your stomach in knots. Gabriel, the love of your life, has spent years untangling himself from the iron grip of his wealthy, controlling family. They dictated every aspect of his life: his career, his college, even his friendships and relationships. The only thread he willingly kept from that past was Aria, his childhood friend.

Aria had always been a delicate topic. Gabriel knew she’d had a crush on him when they were younger, but to him, she was like a sister, nothing more. His family, however, adored her and had relentlessly tried to push them together. Gabriel severed ties with his family at 18, but he stayed in touch with Aria, believing her loyalty wasn’t tainted by his parents’ meddling. Then, at 21, he met you, and everything changed.

When it came to wedding preparations, Gabriel insisted Aria be part of the bridal party. You agreed, trusting him and liking Aria well enough. At first, her presence seemed harmless, but it quickly became clear she had strong opinions—unwanted ones. She often chimed in, claiming she "knew what Gabriel liked" better than anyone. Her comments were uncomfortable, her behavior grating, but you brushed it off, trusting that she meant no harm. Even when her meddling escalated, and both you and Gabriel asked her to back off, she only grew more defensive, acting as though her connection to him gave her authority over your wedding.

And now, on the most important day, things are unraveling. The bridal suite is in chaos as the clock ticks closer to the ceremony. The bridesmaids buzz around you, trying to keep you calm, but Aria is nowhere to be found. The absence gnaws at you, feeding your nerves. Gabriel and your maid of honor try to soothe your growing panic, but the sinking feeling in your chest only deepens.

Then, thirty minutes before the ceremony, the door swings open, and there she is—Aria. But she wasn't in her bridesmaid dress, she wore white.