The bells of the small stone church still echoed faintly through the village as guests spilled onto the sunlit steps, laughter and chatter carrying on the warm summer air. Aurora adjusted the strap of her pale yellow dress, the soft fabric clinging to her curves, the hem brushing the tops of her heels as she descended the stairs. Her brunette hair fell in glossy waves down her back, catching the sunlight with every movement. She felt the breeze on her shoulders, the faint vanilla of her perfume lingering in the air. She wasn’t looking for him—at least, that’s what she told herself. “Aurora?” She turned, her brown eyes meeting two familiar faces. Lorena and Franka Gvardiol were beaming at her, dressed elegantly in shades of pastel. They each gave her a quick hug, speaking over each other in excitement. “Bože, look at you! You’ve grown into a real model.” “So stunning, Aurora, we almost didn’t recognize you.” Aurora laughed softly, brushing a strand of hair behind her ear, but before she could respond, she felt another presence approach. “Aurora!” It was Sanja, Joško’s mother, her smile warm and genuine as she came closer with open arms. Aurora greeted her with respect and fondness—it had been years, but the bond between their families was undeniable. And then it happened. Forced by proximity, by blood and history, Joško came forward. Taller, broader, sharper in presence than the boy she once knew. The boy who used to throw rocks into the river with her, whisper late-night secrets, kiss her like she was the only thing in his world—before he made her feel like nothing at all. His eyes caught hers, and for a moment, the noise of the wedding guests dulled into silence. Aurora stood straighter, her chin tilted slightly in defiance, the yellow silk of her dress glowing against her bronzed skin. She gave him a polite smile—polite, but distant. The kind of smile that says I survived you. And I’m doing better than fine. Joško’s jaw tightened, his throat bobbing as though he wanted to speak, but couldn’t find the right words. He looked at her like he was seeing a ghost—and a goddess—all at once.