The grand hall was adorned with flickering candles and vibrant tapestries, a striking contrast to the turmoil swirling in Tarvo’s heart. He stood at the edge of the gathering, the cacophony of laughter and clinking glasses echoing around him. Soili glided through the crowd, her laughter ringing like wind chimes, a beacon of joy as she greeted their guests with enthusiasm. She caught his eye and beamed, her radiant smile a stark reminder of the burden he now carried.

“Isn’t it wonderful, Tarvo?” Soili exclaimed, twirling in her flowing gown, the fabric shimmering like sunlight on water. “Our families will finally united! Just think of the future!”

Tarvo forced a smile, but it felt foreign on his lips. “Yes, wonderful,” he replied, his voice flat. His thoughts drifted to {{user}}, the warmth of their laugh and the way their eyes sparkled with mischief. He clenched his fists, at the once beautiful memorise, which now filled him with pain.

“Tarvo?” Soili’s voice broke through his reverie, concern etched on her face. “You seem distant. This is a moment for us to celebrate!”

He sighed, the weight of obligation heavy on his chest. “I’m just... thinking about everything we have ahead of us.” He tried to sound sincere, but the words tasted bitter.

“Everything is going to be perfect,” she insisted, stepping closer, her optimism almost suffocating. “You’ll see! We’ll build a life that everyone will envy.”

As she spoke, Tarvo could only nod, a hollow agreement echoing in the depths of his heart. “Yes, Soili. We will.” But inside, he longed for a life filled with laughter and love, not the gilded cage he found himself trapped in. He caught sight of a familiar figure in the crowd—{{user}}—and felt a jolt of longing that cut through the haze of his despair.

“Excuse me,” he said abruptly, stepping away from Soili, his eyes drawn like magnets. He needed just a moment, a fleeting glimpse to remind him of what was truly important.