I agreed to the alliance marriage my family had arranged.
My mother wasted no time.
I'd barely returned from the hospital, my keycard still warm in my palm as I stood before the iron gate of the Haskins compound, when my phone buzzed with dozens of messages—wedding arrangements, venue photographs, guest protocols, all laid out with military precision.
I scrolled through the files, my thumb moving mechanically until I reached her final message.
【I always knew you and Luca wouldn't last. If he truly intended to make you his wife, why drag it out for eight years? It's not too late to wake up. I've prepared everything for the ceremony.】
【The wedding is in three days. Pack your things slowly. No need to rush.】
What had been invisible to me had apparently been obvious to everyone else. I'd been drowning in Luca Haskins's empty promises, mistaking his proximity for commitment, his tolerance for affection.
I exhaled slowly, the night air cool against my face, and sent her a voice message.
"Mama, choose whichever arrangement you think is best. I trust your judgment. Keep the ceremony simple."
I didn't notice Luca approaching from behind until his voice cut through the silence.