The Grand Regal Hotel's ballroom was still alive with the hum of celebration, the clinking of glasses, and the soft strains of the orchestra, but the atmosphere had shifted for those closest to the unfolding drama.
The guests, oblivious to the tension, continued to mingle, their laughter and chatter filling the opulent space.
At the centre of it all, Clara stood frozen, her glass still raised, her smile brittle as she tried to process Viktor's sudden departure.
The twins, Dario and Dante, stood near her, their faces pale and streaked with tears, clutching Elias's phone as if it were a lifeline. Luka, now tasked with salvaging the engagement party, adjusted his tie nervously, his eyes darting between the twins and Clara.
A few minutes ago, Viktor had ordered Luka to handle the wedding without him. Luka didn't want that. He wanted to reject his brother but he couldn't. He had never seen Viktor like that. Ever! Viktor told him to take the kids inside and ran off.
