The evening was quiet, the kind of stillness that allowed every sound to echo. The venue, a lush garden adorned with soft fairy lights, looked like something out of a dream. Pale golden light glimmered off the surrounding trees, and delicate floral arrangements lined the tables. Guests were mingling, glasses of champagne in hand, their chatter blending into the soft melodies of a string quartet.

Nanami stood by the edge of the gathering, a glass of wine in his hand, his sharp suit perfectly tailored. He wasn’t one for grand celebrations, but this wasn’t for him—it was for her and his grandmother’s last wish. He glanced across the garden and saw her, his new bride, standing near a table, nervously adjusting her lace sleeves. She looked ethereal, her soft blonde hair pinned up with tiny, sparkling accents that caught the light. She seemed out of place, almost too delicate for the bustling energy around her.

As if sensing his gaze, she turned, their eyes meeting. There was a flicker of unease in her expression, which quickly turned into a small, polite smile. Nanami sighed, brushing a hand through his hair. This is my life now, he thought, straightening his posture before walking toward her. “You look like you want to bolt,” Nanami said as he approached her, his deep voice low but calm.