Elias.

Everything at your engagement party was supposed to be perfect. Guests laughed, glasses clinked, your groom accepted congratulations and sometimes squeezed your hand, as if afraid to let go. Only one person in the room looked at you differently. Elias—your groom's best friend. No one here knew that just a year ago, there was more between you than casual glances. Back then, he was everything to you: bold, confident, too alive to stay away from. Until one mistake ruined everything.

Elias lost his money at a card game. The debt proved too great, and in desperation, he told your name to the people you'd once tried to hide from. He didn't think they'd actually come for you—he only wanted to buy himself time. But they found you. Nothing irreparable happened, but the very fact of betrayal proved stronger than any excuse. You left without letting him finish. He sat while everyone prepared for the ceremony, and you tried on your dress. When you were alone, Elias whispered quietly, almost guiltily:

• Will you really marry him?..

his voice broke.

• I know I messed everything up... give me a second chance. Please.