As the last guest offered their congratulations, I took a deep breath, steeling myself for the reception ahead. My new life as a bride who was not truly a bride had begun, and I could only hope that I could keep up the charade long enough to set things right. Finally, the day had come to an end, and as we settled into the plush seats of the limousine, my husband turned to me, his eyes shining with adoration. "You were stunning today, my love," he said, reaching for my hand. I pulled my default smile, my fingers trembling slightly in his grasp. "Thank you," I replied, my voice betraying none of the turmoil inside me. All I did all day was say thank you, the term slowly becoming a mantra. He leaned closer, his voice soft. "Is everything alright? You seem... distant." I bit my lip, trying to quell the rising panic. "I'm just overwhelmed," I lied. "It's been a long day." He nodded understandingly, but I could see the concern in his eyes. I turned away, staring out the window as we dr
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