This outstanding man, so aligned with her hobbies and ideals, was supposed to be the perfect lifelong partner.
Yet the weight in her heart grew heavier with every passing moment, as if it was anchoring her feet to the ground, making it almost impossible to take a step.
In her mind's eye, the commanding figure of another man flickered into view, threatening to replace the face of the one before her.
Sophia closed her eyes, but all that greeted her was a blank void.
"Let's go." Roger's voice brought her back to the moment as he gently took her hand and led her toward the banquet hall. Outside, the guests had been waiting for quite some time.
"Alright," Sophia replied with a soft smile, letting him guide her forward. As they stood at the center of the venue, she instinctively reached up to adjust his bow tie, the gesture tender and intimate.