The day of the marriage ceremony arrived sooner than anyone expected. The grand hall shimmered with light, its high ceilings draped with silken banners and filled with the soft strains of music.
Sophie stood at the center of it all, breathtaking in her white gown. The delicate fabric trailed gracefully behind her, while a fine veil, light as mist, softened the radiance of her face. In her hands rested a bouquet of fresh blossoms, their fragrance mingling with the sweetness of the moment.
Whispers filled the hall as guests turned to admire her, yet Sophie's thoughts were far away. Her heart beat with anticipation—not only for the vows she was about to make, but also for the hope that the faces she longed to see would be among the crowd.
As Sophie walked slowly down the aisle toward Luca, her heart pounded beneath the lace of her gown. She let her gaze sweep across the hall, searching—hoping. And then she saw her.
Sera.
But the sight struck Sophie like a blow. This was not the Sera she remembered. Gone was the sharp, rough girl of the orphanage. In her place stood a woman worn by time and hardship, her face lined with wrinkles, her eyes shadowed by deep dark circles. She looked far older than her years.
Sophie's breath caught, but she forced herself to mask her shock. She steadied her expression and carried on with the ceremony, her hand slipping into Luca's as they spoke their vows. The wedding ended in a swirl of music, applause, and celebration—yet Sophie's heart was elsewhere.
The moment she changed into her after-ceremony gown, Sophie slipped away from the crowd and hurried toward Sera. Without a word, she flung her arms around her, hugging her tightly as tears welled up in her eyes.
"Sera…" she whispered, her voice trembling.
Sera hugged her back tightly, clinging as though afraid to let go. Sophie pulled away just enough to wipe her tears and whispered, "What about Mr. David?"
At the mention of his name, Sera's expression darkened. Her voice trembled as she spoke.
"After you left… the Director fell ill. At first, the doctor couldn't find the cause. Later, when we sought out a more experienced physician, he said it was tuberculosis. There was… no cure. Slowly, he grew weaker, until his body was paralyzed. And then… one night, he passed away quietly in his sleep."
Sera's words broke into sobs she could no longer contain.
Sophie stood frozen, her mind reeling. Shock and sorrow washed over her in waves, stealing the strength from her legs. It felt cruel, unbearably cruel. She had lost her parents to violence, and now the man who had been like a father to her was gone as well.
For a fleeting, bitter moment, it felt as though Heaven itself was against her—as if God's anger had been set upon her, stripping away the ones she loved most.
Spring arrived with a new wave of life. Birds filled the skies with cheerful song, and the sweet fragrance of blooming flowers drifted on the breeze.
Sophie sat by the window of the train, her gaze lingering on the endless stretch of green fields and blossoms rushing past. It had been four long years since she last set foot at the orphanage. All this time, she had continued to fund it faithfully, ensuring the children lacked nothing.
Letters between her and Sera had become a constant comfort during those years—words that kept their bond alive despite the distance. But now, Sophie was returning in person, her heart both heavy and eager.
Her purpose was clear: to see Sera again, and to finally visit the grave of Mr. David, the man who had once been like a father to her.