Chapter 1: The Locket in Her Hands
The groomās mother stared into the open locket as if time itself had cracked in her hands.
Inside was a tiny photo, faded with age but still unmistakable.
A younger version of her son.
Cradling a newborn baby.
On the other side of the locket, one word had been engraved:
Mine.
A wave of silence moved through the room.
The bride covered her mouth, her eyes wide with disbelief. Guests shifted in their seats, unsure whether to stare or look away.
And at the center of it all stood a little girl, clutching a worn stuffed bunny. Her small fingers tightened around one floppy ear.
āMy mommy said to find him,ā she whispered. āShe said he would know my necklace.ā
