Chapter 16

ENTRAPMENT

I gazed at my reflection, feeling like a stranger draped in white satin. The gown, adorned with a chapel train and intricate platinum embroidery, sparkled under the sunlight, casting a mesmerizing glow. My fingers glided over the satin ribbon that hugged my waist. I should have felt like a bride, yet all I could perceive was a sense of entrapment.

"The dress is absolutely stunning, Kylie," my mother had exclaimed earlier, but I found myself unable to muster any enthusiasm.

The door creaked open, and Aunt Megan’s overly cheerful voice shattered the silence.

“That sweetheart neckline is simply... exquisite!” She smiled brightly, exchanging glances with Aunt Christy, who nodded in agreement, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper.

“Lysander will be smitten. I promise you.”

At the mention of his name, I flinched, a reflex I couldn’t control. My mother caught it, her smile faltering as she hurried the aunts out of the room. _Thank goodness._ I was not ready to face their