Strings of Fate

The camera flashed.

Allesandro grinned, standing tall next to Ever, his arm around her waist. The kids fidgeted beside them, and he couldn't help but feel a warmth spread through him. They looked perfect, like a family, like everything was fine.

"Say cheese!" the photographer called.

"Cheese!" the kids shouted, with their bright smiles lighting up the room.

Eve barely smiled, her lips tight as she adjusted her daughter's dress, avoiding his eyes.

"You look amazing tonight," he whispered to her, his voice low, a little softer than usual.

She didn't respond immediately, still focused on the children. "Mm-hmm," she murmured, adjusting her son's tie.

Alessandro chuckled lightly. "It's just us now. Can't we at least pretend to enjoy this?"

She finally glanced up at him, her smile tight, but her eyes were distant. "This is fine," she said, her tone flat. "It's just a picture."