Their Shared Secret, Her Sweet Victory

The heavy satin of my wedding dress felt like a shroud.

Today was supposed to be the most joyous day, marrying Ethan Davenport, cementing a powerful alliance.

Instead, I was trapped in darkness, my screams muffled by the thick, soundproof walls of a panic room.

Jessica Miller, my childhood companion, had drugged me.

I clawed my way out, nails broken and bleeding, only to stumble into my own reception.

And there she was, radiant in my gown, standing beside my groom.

"Jessica? Ethan, what is happening?" I croaked, my voice raw.