Nora's POV

The morning of my wedding arrived with a quiet heaviness that I couldn't shake. I was supposed to feel happy, excited even. Every girl dreamed of this moment: the gowns, the laughter, the preparations. But all I felt was empty.

Olivia had gone above and beyond. Despite everything happening in her own life, despite Alpha Lennox's situation weighing heavily on her, she'd poured her heart into making my wedding day perfect. She'd hired the best designers for both my traditional and white gowns, each hand-stitched with crystal embroidery that shimmered when the light touched them.

The venue, the grand pack hall inside the mansion, had been transformed overnight. Golden drapes cascaded from the ceiling, white roses lined every aisle, and a chandelier of moonstones glowed softly above the altar. It looked like a royal wedding, not a wedding between a maid and a warrior.

Lolita was beside me, humming softly as she pinned the last strands of my hair. She smiled at my reflection in the mirror. "You look beautiful," she said gently.

I managed a weak smile. "Thanks."

Her hands stilled for a moment, and she met my eyes in the mirror. "You know, you can still cancel this."

I froze.

She sighed softly, brushing a curl behind my ear. "I'm serious, Nora. You don't have to do this. You don't look happy."

I looked down at my hands, at the silver engagement ring glinting faintly on my finger. "I made my decision," I said quietly.

Lolita frowned. "Yeah, but was it the right one?"

I didn't answer, because deep down, I didn't know anymore.

She moved around to face me, folding her arms. "I've known you for years. You're not yourself, Nora. This whole thing, this wedding, it feels rushed."

I let out a shaky breath. "Olivia's been amazing. She's done everything, everything I could ever ask for."

"That's not what I meant," Lolita said softly. "I'm talking about you. You're supposed to be glowing right now, not looking like someone's dragging you to your own funeral."

I tried to laugh, but it came out hollow.

Lolita knelt slightly so we were eye-level. "You love him, don't you?" she asked quietly.

My chest tightened instantly. I didn't need her to say his name; we both knew who she meant.

"Love who?" I asked weakly.

She gave me a look. "Calvin."

I swallowed hard. "No."

She tilted her head. "You sure?"

"Yes," I lied. "Calvin doesn't want me. He made that clear. He wants someone better, someone with status, someone his mother would actually approve of. I'm just me."

Lolita's eyes softened with pity. "Nora…"

I stood abruptly, cutting her off. "Daniel is a good man. He's kind, loving, and he actually loves me. That's what matters."

"But you don't love him," she said quietly.

My throat closed up. "I'll learn to," I whispered.

The room fell silent. Only the activities from downstairs could be heard.

Lolita sighed, shaking her head. "You're doing this to forget him."

I looked at her through the mirror, my reflection pale and tired. "I'm doing this to move on."

She didn't argue after that. She just nodded, sadness clouding her eyes, and went back to fixing the final touches of my traditional veil.

When she was done, I stood and faced myself in the mirror. The dress was perfect. The hair, the makeup—flawless. But the woman staring back at me didn't look like a bride. She looked like someone pretending to be one.

Lolita whispered, "Are you sure?"

I forced a smile, though it trembled at the edges. The door creaked open, and Olivia stepped in, glowing in her peach gown. Her smile lit up the room as she looked me over from head to toe.

"Oh, my goodness," she whispered, clasping her hands together. "You look beautiful, Nora. Absolutely breathtaking."

I forced a small smile. "Thank you."

She came closer, brushing a stray strand of hair from my face. "Today's the big day," she said softly. "The day you finally become Mrs. Daniel Latin."

I swallowed, trying to match her excitement, but my lips barely curved. Olivia noticed instantly. Her eyes softened. "You don't seem happy," she said quietly. "Talk to me, Nora. Do you really want this?"

"Yes," I replied quickly, too quickly. "Of course, I do."

Olivia studied me for a moment longer, as though trying to read the truth behind my words. Finally, she nodded slowly. "Alright," she said, though her voice carried doubt. "If this is really what you want…"

"It is," I said, forcing a steady tone. "It's time I moved on."

She didn't argue further. Instead, she took my hand gently and turned toward the door. "Then let's go. Everyone's waiting."

Lolita followed us as we walked out of the room and down the grand staircase. My heart was pounding so hard I could feel it in my throat. The entire mansion seemed to buzz with excitement—guests laughing, music playing softly, and the faint scent of flowers filling the air.

When we reached the double doors of the grand hall, two warriors opened them wide. The sound of the crowd washed over me—applause, gasps, murmurs of admiration.

Everyone stood.

I stepped forward, the weight of my traditional attire heavy on my shoulders. My veil shimmered faintly beneath the lights as I walked slowly down the long aisle. Daniel stood at the front, smiling, his expression full of pride and affection. He looked happy.

And that should have made me happy too. But as I looked at him, I didn't see Daniel. I saw Calvin.

My heart clenched painfully.

When I finally reached Daniel, he whispered softly, "You look beautiful."

I forced a faint smile. "Thank you."

The ceremony began. The priest stepped forward, his voice booming through the hall, reciting the ancient words that bound mates in spirit, even if this was not a fated bond. Guests smiled, some even teary-eyed. But inside, I was falling apart.

My wolf whimpered weakly in my head. "Please, don't do this."

I shut my eyes tightly, fighting back the sting of tears. My heart was pounding so fast I thought it might burst. Each word from the priest felt like another weight pressing down on my chest.

Then came the final part, the marking.

"Now," the priest said, smiling warmly, "the groom may mark his bride as his mate."

Daniel turned to me, his expression excited, his eyes kind. He reached for my neck gently.

And just as his fangs grazed my skin—

BANG!

The great hall doors flew open with a force that shook the floor. Gasps erupted through the crowd. Every head turned toward the entrance.

My heart stopped. My breath caught in my throat.

And then… our eyes met.