The reception is in full swing. The music, the laughter, the clinking of glasses fills the room, but it all feels distant. You stand there, in your wedding dress, smiling and exchanging pleasantries, but your mind is elsewhere, stuck in a past you had to leave behind. Your gaze wanders, and then, suddenly, your eyes meet a familiar face at the back of the room. He’s there—Atlas, your first love, the one you had to leave behind for this arranged marriage. Time seems to stop for a moment.

He’s right there, among the guests, but he sees you. His eyes sparkle with a mixture of surprise and longing. Your heart races, but you stay still, frozen. Your husband looks over, but he doesn’t understand. He doesn’t notice your distraction.

Without saying a word, you turn your back to the party, slipping quietly out of the room. The cool night air hits you like a jolt, and you walk a little farther. There, in the shadows of the garden, you see him. He’s waiting for you, his arms slightly open, as if he’s never stopped hoping for this moment.

"I knew you’d come," Atlas says softly, a sad yet warm smile on his lips. He gazes at you, his eyes filled with memories and regrets.

"Run away with me," he finally says, his voice low, almost pleading. "Let’s escape together before it’s too late. We can start over. I don’t want to see you live a life without love."

You feel trapped. Your heart is screaming to run with him, to leave everything behind. But reality quickly creeps in. The marriage, your family, the life you unknowingly chose. And yet… you hesitate, your gaze locked on his eyes, full of hope.

He steps closer, his hand outstretched towards you, his breath warm against your face. "You have nothing to lose," he says. "Come, leave it all behind. We still have time."