s. Her eyes fluttered open, blurry at first, but slowly, the room came into focus. She stared at t

ch her neck, but her arm was heavy with bandages. "Where...

l made even the smallest movement painful. Flashes of memory began to return-the ca

f the door opening. Her father, Mr. Simon, w

tly hugged her, his relief spilling out in his voice. "Thank

d, wincing as even the small hug s

om his daughter. His face was full of regret as he wiped

him a small smile, but it didn't hide the sadness in her

asked, her tone curious yet

turning back to face her. "I tried to make them und

voice soft but firm. She turned

sorry

eaming down her face. Her emotions spilled

oise startled them both. Mr. Simon glanced toward the door an

hat? No... no! I didn't agree to this!" she exclaimed, her voice filled with anger and fear. "This isn

the hospital. A crowd of guests followed them as they m

udden illness, one serious enough to halt the wedding? Or perhaps she could find a way to escape, disappearing before anyone could reach her. These ideas churned in her head, but none seemed feasible. Frustration welled up inside

e approached her. He wanted to comfort her, to make her understand that he had no choice, but the pain in her eyes made it difficult to find the right words

uests and the priest, made their way through the hospital corridors. Their presence caused a ripple of curiosity am

Her colleague at the receptionist desk leaned forward, trying to get a better look.

inevitable. "How can I possibly get married in a hospital, like this?" she blurted out, her voice shaking with anger and disbelief. She turned to her father

the mayor," he began hesitantly, "maybe I can convince him t

door swung open with a lou

e flashed across her face. For a brief moment, she imagined someone had come to rescue her, to put

onfusion. "Did you say somethin

lapse. "No, nothing, Dad," she replied, forcing a smile. The brightness in her exp