The babysitter in a bridal veil

Verena
People say every bride begins a new chapter.
Mine began with grief that wasn't mine, a husband who never wanted me, and a child who slowly became my whole world.
Some marriages begin with love.
Ours began with silence.

Zaiden
Losing my wife was the hardest thing I've ever endured.
Remarrying was the easiest decision I never wanted to make.
My daughter had already chosen Verena long before either of us had a choice. Our family believed it was the right thing to do. It was never meant to be a love story.
Just an arrangement.
No love.
No expectations.
No broken hearts.
I was wrong.