Maya's POV
The wedding reception finally wound down as darkness settled over the estate, the last champagne glasses cleared away and guests departing with warm farewells. My feet throbbed in the designer heels I had endured for what felt like an eternity, while my face felt stiff from maintaining a perfect smile through countless photo sessions.
"We made it through alive," Sebastian observed as we ascended the mansion's sweeping marble staircase together.
"Barely," I replied, catching a loose rose petal from my elaborate gown before it could fall. I should have switched to a simpler dress for the reception, but Audrey had insisted the custom creation was too stunning to waste on just the ceremony.
The day's excitement was fading, replaced by a deep weariness that settled into my bones like lead.
