Eliza's POV
The morning sunlight crept through the curtains, but its warmth didn't reach me. My head throbbed, my eyes were puffy, and my heart felt heavier than ever. I had cried myself to sleep, my emotions tangled in a web of anger, sadness, and confusion.
Dragging myself out of bed, I forced my body to move on autopilot—wash, dress, and braid my hair neatly, as if doing so would somehow hide the chaos within me. The face staring back at me in the mirror was a stranger. I sighed, shook my head, and headed downstairs, bracing myself for another day of pretending to be okay.
The sound of my parents' cheerful voices floated up from the dining room. As I approached, their words became clearer.
"The florist said they'll deliver the arrangements early, and the banquet hall is almost booked," my mother said, her tone brimming with excitement.
My father chuckled. "Good. Let's ensure everything is perfect for our daughter's big day."