Chapter 1: The Disgraceful Dress
The crystal chandeliers of the grand ballroom cast a warm glow over the wedding guests, but the atmosphere near the altar was ice-cold. Eleanor, dressed in a sparkling gold sequin gown, glared at her soon-to-be daughter-in-law, Lily. She despised the strapless white wedding dress, finding it entirely inappropriate for their high-society family.
"Look at this disgraceful dress," Eleanor hissed, her voice cutting through the soft murmur of the crowd. Lily shrank back, humiliation flushing her cheeks.
Mark, the groom, immediately stepped between them. "That is enough, Mother," he said firmly, stripping off his black tuxedo jacket to drape it over Lily's trembling shoulders. As the fabric settled, the small, distinct swallow tattoo on Lily's upper back was perfectly exposed to the light.
