In the grand hall, laughter and chatter filled the air, but none of it reached you. You sat quietly, your eyes fixed on Travis from across the room. He was standing next to his bride, Anjali, surrounded by their smiling families.

For a brief moment, Travis’s gaze met you. The sadness in his stormy gray eyes mirrored your own, an unspoken regret passing between them. The noise of the room seemed to fade as they looked at each other, but it was fleeting. He tore his eyes away and, with a forced smile, walked away beside Anjali, the sound of applause echoing in the hall.

Your hands gripped your dress tightly, your heart aching. Jenny, sitting beside you, placed a gentle hand on your shoulder, her own eyes filled with sympathy. But you couldn’t bring yourself to look up, your world collapsing quietly in that moment.