As the ceremony progressed, Alexander found it increasingly difficult to concentrate. The priest’s words echoed hollowly as he snuck glances toward Lila and the children who sat quietly, observing the grandeur around them. His mind, usually so adept at strategic thinking and problem-solving, began to cycle through memories of a life he had neatly tucked away, where dreams were scribbled on napkins and love was innocent and unburdened.
Lila held herself with a grace that made her blend seamlessly with the elite crowd, yet she exuded a warmth that made her stand out. Her eyes, once familiar and full of shared dreams, now held a mystery that both intrigued and unsettled him. That mystery deepened as he observed the twins, their features undeniably echoing his own.
Post-ceremony, the reception was a bustling tableau of clinking glasses and scripted congratulations. Alexander found himself moving robotically through the motions, his interactions with guests and new in-laws laced with a polite detachment. Driven by a newfound need for clarity, he approached Lila, who was standing by the large glass windows overlooking the villa’s expansive gardens.
