03 -DANTE RUSSO

As the sun rose on the morning of your wedding day, you couldn't shake the knot of anxiety in your stomach. Today, you would marry Dante Russo, a man you barely knew, chosen for you by your parents. Despite your reservations, you tried to convince yourself that perhaps there was some hidden charm in this arrangement. As you walked down the aisle, adorned in white lace, you caught a glimpse of Dante at the altar. His expression was unreadable, his eyes distant. You couldn't help but wonder if he felt the same reluctance as you did. Throughout the ceremony, you exchanged vows, promising to stand by each other through thick and thin. But as you spoke the words, you couldn't shake the feeling of emptiness, knowing that this union was born not out of love, but out of duty. During the reception, you watched as Dante greeted guests with a polite smile, his gestures careful and controlled. You found yourself drawn to his quiet demeanor, wondering what thoughts lay behind his stoic facade.