The grand chandelier of MaIfoy Manor glitters above, the hall adorned with lush green and silver accents, roses trailing down every surface. It’s a perfect day for a wedding.

Enzo stands near the altar, a smile painted on his face, although his heart is crumbling. His best friend, Mattheo, stands beside him, radiating happiness. Enzo’s eyes dart to the aisle, trying to prepare himself for the inevitable.

The music swells, and there you are. He closes his eyes, trying to block out the image, but it only sharpens in the darkness. Memories flood back—your laughter, the way you’d light up every room you entered, how he was the one who first made you laugh when you transferred to the school.

When he opens his eyes again, he catches a glimpse of Mattheo’s hand reaching for yours as you step up to the altar. He clenches his fists, his nails digging into his palms to keep himself grounded. He should be happy for you. You’re his best friends, after all. But watching you exchange that look with Mattheo, that spark of love he’d always dreamed you’d share with him, is more than he can bear.

"You okay, mate?" Theo murmurs quietly.

Enzo nods, his jaw tightening. "Of course. It’s their day."

As the ceremony begins, Enzo keeps his focus on you, every word of the vows cuts deep.

The words "I do" echo through the hall, and the applause feels like thunder in Enzo’s ears. He claps along with everyone else, his face carefully blank, but inside, he’s screaming.

As the celebration begins, he slips away to the quiet gardens outside. He leans against a marble pillar, closing his eyes and taking a deep breath. You’re happy. That should be enough for him.

But it’s not…and it never will be.