Louis had been in love with her for as long as he could remember. Growing up side by side—sharing playgrounds, classrooms, and memories—they were bound by a history that never really faded, no matter how much time passed. She was the daughter of the wealthiest family in town, a world far removed from his, where his father worked tirelessly just to give him a shot at a better life.

Through teenage years and college, they drifted together and apart, never quite breaking but never fully committing either. Then came the news that shattered him: she was engaged. And not just to anyone—the young prince of Monaco. Suddenly, all his dreams felt fragile, on the edge of shattering.

Today was her wedding day. The whole world knew, her face gracing every magazine cover, every news report. But Louis had one last move to make. Moving stealthily through the crowd, he slipped into the venue and climbed up to the bridal suite, determined and desperate.

She turned, startled. “Louis?” she whispered, her eyes wide, disbelief flickering across her face.

Louis took in the sight of her in that wedding dress, radiant and ethereal, the most beautiful vision he had ever seen. His voice trembled as he stepped closer. “Don’t do this,” he breathed. “Don’t marry him. I know you don’t want this, not really. I’ve got a car waiting outside. We can leave right now. You don’t have to go through with this.”