The room was dark, with only a faint light coming from the corner. Loud music filled the space, the heavy bass shaking the walls and making the air feel alive. Ethan stood alone, his hands in his pockets, letting the sound drown out his thoughts. The shadows moved around him as the lights flickered softly. It felt like the music was louder than his own heartbeat, yet somehow, it still wasn't enough to silence the chaos inside him.
Ethan picked up his glasses and put them on, even though the room was already dimly lit. Behind the lenses, his eyes looked darker and more distant, as if he was trying to hide himself from the world. In the soft light, his reflection appeared blurred and cold. He stood there in silence, trying to control the storm rising inside him.
Evening had already fallen. Elena was sitting in her room, lazily making notes, her pen moving slowly across the page. Her heart wasn't in it, but she forced herself to focus. Just then, the door opened and her mother walked in.
"Elena, come on. I told you we have to leave. We're already very late."
Elena lifted her tired eyes, as if she wanted to escape the moment, but she knew she couldn't refuse anymore.
Her mom was already ready, dressed up and glowing. Elena had kept it simple, a soft and light look.
Then her mom called out loudly,
"Come on, Elena!"
Elena slowly walked down the stairs, and the moment her mom saw her, her eyes lit up.
"Wow! You look so beautiful!"
Isabel was getting ready for her step cousin's wedding. She had dressed up so carefully and with so much excitement that it seemed like the day was meant just for her. Everything about her preparation was perfect — her outfit, jewelry, and light makeup — all reflecting the joy and thrill on her face.
The hall was buzzing with activity. Everyone looked happy and perfectly dressed, and the atmosphere was lively and cheerful. Music played in the background, filling the room with joy. The bride, dressed in white, looked absolutely stunning.
Isabel and Elena went to meet the bride. She was extremely happy today. Elena also felt a lightness in her heart. Meeting her relatives at the wedding gave her a warm feeling of happiness and comfort.
Elena, like the other girls, stood holding a plate of flowers as the bride and groom walked by. She gently threw flowers on them with affection. The girls whispered to each other and laughed heartily, filling the hall with the sound of joy and celebration.
Guests were moving around, the hall buzzing with life. Ethan entered the wedding with his mom and dad. The moment his eyes landed on Elena from across the room, his steps froze. His heart suddenly started racing, and for a brief moment, the noise around him disappeared.
Elena's soft smile, walking through the flowers, and the joyous atmosphere — it all felt like magic to him. He could have said so much, yet he stood silently, letting every heartbeat overwhelm him with feelings he couldn't contain.
Elena was laughing with her friends, the room full of joy and chatter. Yet Ethan's eyes were fixed only on her. No matter how many people were around, he saw only Elena. Every laugh, every little movement she made, sent a strange warmth through his chest. It was as if all the colors and sounds of the world had dimmed, leaving only the moment where Elena stood.
Catherine and William were greeting the groom's father warmly, as if they were old friends who had known each other for years. Laughter and affection flowed in every word, and every moment of their meeting felt like a joyful memory. The atmosphere was filled with happiness and the sweetness of family bonds.
Isabel was laughing on her phone, in a cheerful mood, when suddenly she bumped into William from behind. The glass of juice in his hand spilled all over her clothes.
"Oh… sorry!" — Isabel's voice came out filled with panic and surprise, but William just looked at her, his words stuck in his mouth.
The moment William's eyes landed on Isabel, his heart seemed to stop, and his face went suddenly pale. He just stood there, frozen, as if time itself had stopped. Surprise, pain, and some old memories surged in his eyes.
Because Isabel was his sister — the one who had run away from home to get married, and today, after so many years, she was standing right in front of his eyes. For him, this moment was not only shocking but heart-wrenching. Every expression, every smile, every movement — all of it brought a strange mix of shock, guilt, and love.
Isabel also suddenly looked at William, astonishment and a little fear in her eyes. Their eyes wouldn't leave each other, and an intense, silent tension filled the air — as if old memories and heavy emotions were swirling between them.
Elena saw her mom from a distance and quickly ran over to her.
"Mom, are you okay?" — Elena's voice was filled with worry.
At that moment, William's eyes landed on Elena. There was a strange mix of surprise and curiosity in his gaze, as if he suddenly recognized someone standing right in front of him. Every expression, every movement of hers brought a new shock to him, and he just froze for a moment, staring at Elena.
Ethan was also walking toward his dad, looking around, but the moment his eyes landed on Elena standing there, he was filled with surprise. His steps suddenly stopped, and his heart began racing. Her presence, her beauty, and her quiet grace — everything was a strange shock for Ethan, as if time itself had paused for a moment.
____end of the chapter ____