𝓗𝓲𝓼 𝑅𝑒𝑖𝑔𝑛

70

Back home.

The sunlight streamed through the sheer curtains of the mansion, painting the room in a soft, golden hue. Kailani sat amidst a whirlwind of fabric swatches, floral arrangements, and bridal magazines that Salvatore had brought her. Each page was filled with images of radiant brides surrounded by friends, their laughter ringing like chimes in the air. But as she flipped through the glossy pages, an insurmountable weight settled on her chest.

Salvatore's urgency to marry her was apparent in everything he did. He wanted to create a fairytale, to shower her with love and affection, and to make their union a celebration of their intense bond. But as she watched him pace the floor, excitement radiating from him like a beacon, doubt crept into her mind, coiling around her heart.

Why do I feel so alone? she thought, her fingers trembling slightly as she set down a pastel blue swatch. She gazed at the vibrant colors but felt no joy in them. The realization that there was no one she could call to stand beside her on this day-no friends, no family-hit her like a punch to the gut.

In her mind, she replayed the loneliness that had seeped into her life during her months in isolation. The friends she once had were now distant memories, lost to time and circumstance. I don't belong anywhere, she reflected, her heart aching with the weight of her solitude. What if he realizes I have no one? What if he thinks I'm a burden?

"Here, Kotenok," Salvatore said, bursting into the room, the envelope in his hand like a golden ticket to a dream. His dark eyes sparkled with excitement, and her heart sank further at the thought of disappointing him. He held it out, his smile wide, clearly eager to share the details of their upcoming wedding.

"This is the budget," he said, a gleam of determination in his eyes. "Whatever you need, just tell me."

Kailani took the envelope from him, her fingers brushing against his for just a heartbeat longer than necessary. The heaviness inside her grew as she opened the envelope, revealing a neatly printed sheet of numbers.

One hundred and eleven million dollars?

Her breath caught in her throat as she scanned the list-venue, flowers, catering, dresses, invitations-all luxuries that felt out of reach for someone like her. Each figure seemed to mock her, reminding her of her isolation. The flowers alone were priced at $50,000, the venue and decorations another $90,000, and the catering an astonishing $100,000 for a meal that would serve far more than just the two of them, and her wedding dress alone at a booming
$2000000

"This is... too much," she whispered, her voice trembling. Her heart raced as she fought against the tears that threatened to spill. "Salvatore, we can't spend this much. It's extravagant."

His smile faltered slightly, but he recovered quickly, stepping closer to her. "No, you deserve the world, Kailani. This is just the beginning," he insisted, unwavering in his belief that she deserved everything he could provide.

But do I really deserve it? She glanced away, unable to meet his intense gaze. What if I can't live up to his expectations? The doubt twisted in her gut, and she could almost feel it wrapping around her heart, squeezing tighter with each breath.

As they sat together, he began to lay out more plans-grand ideas for a wedding that would be talked about for years. Salvatore wanted the best of everything, and as he described their potential venue, a lavish estate overlooking the ocean, she felt herself sinking deeper into her self-doubt.

"I want you to have everything," he said, his voice low and earnest. "We can have an outdoor ceremony, just like in the movies, and the reception can be under the stars. The flowers will be stunning, and-"