The groomâs expression changed.
Anger, grief, and confusion collapsed into something deeper.
He looked at the child.
Really looked at her.
Her eyes.
The shape of her face.
The quiet fear hiding behind her courage.
Something about her was painfully familiar.
And suddenly, there was no room left for denial.
He dropped to his knees in front of her.
The movement was slow, almost like surrender.
His eyes filled with tearsânot only from shock, but from regret. From stolen time. From a truth that had existed all these years without him.
âNo,â he whispered softly. âIâm mad I didnât know you existed.â
The little girl stepped closer, uncertain.
He reached out carefully, as if afraid she might disappear.
âWhatâs your name?â he asked.
She hesitated.
âLily.â
