The grand ballroom was bathed in golden light, its towering chandeliers casting a soft glow over the sea of impeccably dressed guests. The air was thick with the scent of roses and expensive perfume, mingling with the subtle aroma of aged wine. The murmur of polite conversation, the occasional burst of laughter, and the clinking of champagne glasses all melded into an overwhelming symphony of celebration.
Delphinia stood in the center of it all, draped in an exquisite wedding gown that felt more like a burden than a dream. The bodice was tight, suffocating her ribs with every breath, and the long lace sleeves clung to her skin, making her feel trapped. The skirt flared out elegantly, trailing behind her in delicate folds, but despite its beauty, she felt as if she were sinking beneath its weight. The glittering tiara atop her head was heavy, pressing down on her as though it were a crown of thorns rather than a symbol of joy.