VIVIAN
Silence hangs. Heavy. Suffocating. Everyone waiting for "I do." For the vow. For the commitment. For the wedding to continue.
But I can't speak. Can't move. Can't do anything except stare at Chase. At the understanding in his eyes. At the connection between us that's stronger than curse. Stronger than time. Stronger than everything that's tried to break us.
"Vivian?" Ethan's voice. Gentle. Concerned. "Are you okay?"
No. I'm not okay. I'm standing at altar realizing I can't marry you. Can't say I do. Can't commit to lie. Can't betray you publicly for any reason. Even love. Even Chase. Even breaking curse.
But I can't say that. Can't explain here. Can't confess in front of three hundred guests and cameras and everyone believing this is beautiful moment. Can't destroy the narrative this publicly. This cruelly.
The bouquet feels heavy. Too heavy. White roses becoming weights. Pulling me down. Drowning me in lies. In guilt. In impossible choices.
