The warm, inviting ambiance of 'Zenith' enveloped us as we settled into our usual spot, a secluded table tucked away in a corner. 

The scent of whiskey and cigar smoke lingered in the air, mingling with the soft strains of jazz music playing in the background. 

It was our sanctuary, a place where we could escape the chaos of the outside world and seek solace in each other's company.

As Lilliana and Gabriella joined me at the table, their expressions filled with concern, I knew it was time to share the burden that had been weighing heavily on my heart.

Lilliana raised an eyebrow, her hazel eyes sparkling with mischief. "Well, well, if it isn't the belle of the ball. What's got you looking like someone ran over your favorite pair of stilettos?"

Gabriella leaned in closer, her blue eyes filled with curiosity. "Yeah, spill the tea, Serafina. We're dying to know what's been going on in your dramatic life."

"I don't even know where to begin," I confessed, my voice barely above a whisper as I recounted the events of the past few days.

"Spill it, Sera," Lilliana insisted, her eyes sparkling with curiosity. "What's got you looking so serious?"

I took a deep breath, steeling myself for their reaction. "I have something to tell you both," I began, my voice trembling slightly. "It's about Lucien."

Their interest piqued, and Gabriella leaned forward, her blue eyes fixed on mine. "What about him?"

I hesitated, unsure of how to break the news. The weight of it felt like a boulder sitting on my chest. "Lucien and I... we're getting married," I blurted out, the words hanging in the air like a heavy weight.

For a moment, there was silence as my friends processed the revelation. Then, to my surprise, they burst into laughter, their amusement echoing through the dimly lit bar.

"Married? You?" Lilliana exclaimed, wiping tears of laughter from her eyes. "I never thought I'd see the day!"

Gabriella chimed in, her laughter infectious. "Well, well, Serafina, it looks like your childhood crush is finally yours to have!"

Despite their teasing, I couldn't shake the feeling of unease gnawing at me. Their laughter, once so comforting, now felt like a sharp blade, cutting deeper into my already wounded heart.

"It's not like that," I protested, my voice tinged with sadness. "This marriage... it's not what we wanted."

Their laughter subsided as they noticed the seriousness in my tone. "What do you mean, Sera?" Lilliana asked, her expression softening with concern.

I took a moment to gather my thoughts, unsure of how to articulate the tangled mess of emotions inside me. "It's just... Lucien and I, the marriage is not out of love," I confessed, the words heavy on my tongue. "He loves someone else."

Their brows furrowed in confusion as they exchanged a glance. "Who?" Gabriella asked, her voice filled with curiosity.

"Eleanor, his girlfriend. Ex-girlfriend," I replied quietly, feeling a pang of sadness at the mention of her name. "They broke up because of this marriage."

Lilliana's eyes widened in surprise, while Gabriella's expression softened with understanding. "Oh, Sera," she murmured, reaching out to grasp my hand in a gesture of comfort. "I had no idea."

Tears pricked at the corners of my eyes as I tried to hold back the flood of emotions threatening to overwhelm me. 

The reality of my situation was suffocating, and I felt like I was drowning in a sea of unspoken pain.

"I'm so sorry." Gabriella nodded in agreement, her gaze filled with compassion. "It must be so difficult for you, especially knowing that Lucien's heart belongs to someone else."

I nodded, unable to find the words to express the turmoil raging inside me. The ache in my chest was palpable, a constant reminder of the love I harbored for Lucien, a love that would never be returned in the way I had hoped.

"I just wish things could be different," I whispered, my voice barely audible. "I never imagined our relationship would end up like this. I always dreamed that if Lucien and I were to marry, it would be because he loved me as much as I loved him. But now... it feels like I'm walking into a life where I'll always be second best. I'll always be in the shadow of Eleanor, in the shadow of his true feelings."

Lilliana reached out and squeezed my hand, her touch a reassuring anchor in the storm of emotions swirling around me. "Sometimes life doesn't turn out the way we expect," she said gently. "But that doesn't mean we can't find happiness in other ways."

"I know," I replied, my voice thick with emotion. "But it just hurts so much. Knowing that I'll be standing next to him at the altar, and he'll be thinking of someone else... I don't know if I'm strong enough for that. I've been through so much—fights, betrayal, loss—but this? This feels like a different kind of pain. It's like I'm willingly walking into a life where I'll never be truly loved."

Gabriella nodded in agreement, her expression thoughtful. "You're strong, Sera," she said, her voice filled with conviction. "You've faced challenges that would break most people, and you've come out on top. You'll get through this, I know you will. And who knows? Maybe, with time, Lucien will come to realize what he has in you. Love isn't always immediate, and sometimes, it grows from the most unexpected places."

I wanted to believe her, I really did. But the doubt lingered, a dark cloud over the faint hope I clung to. "I just... I don't want to spend the rest of my life waiting for him to love me," I admitted, my voice trembling with the weight of my fears. "I want to be enough for him now, not in some distant future."

Lilliana gave my hand a gentle squeeze, her hazel eyes filled with unwavering support. "Whatever happens, Sera, we're here for you. Whether Lucien loves you tomorrow or it takes him years to see what's right in front of him, you won't be alone. We'll get through this together."

Their words brought a small measure of comfort, but the unease remained. 

As much as I wanted to believe that everything would work out, a part of me couldn't shake the fear that I was walking into a marriage destined to be filled with heartache and longing. 

But for now, I would take it one day at a time, and maybe, just maybe, I could find a way to turn this painful situation into something beautiful.

Lilliana's mischievous grin widened as she locked eyes with Gabriella. "And while we're at it," she added, "we can pick out something stunning for you to wear to the birthday. You know, just to remind Lucien what he's missing."

Gabriella nodded enthusiastically, her eyes lighting up with excitement. "Exactly! Let's find something that makes you feel powerful, Sera. Something that screams, 'I'm Serafina, and I don't need anyone's pity.'"

I couldn't help but laugh, their infectious energy lifting some of the heaviness from my chest. 

"You two are impossible," I said, shaking my head, but I felt a warm sense of gratitude toward them. 

They knew just how to lighten the mood, even when everything felt like it was falling apart.

"Impossible but right," Lilliana quipped, tossing her hair over her shoulder. "You deserve to feel good about yourself, Sera. And you know what? So what if this marriage isn't what you dreamed of? That doesn't mean you can't look drop-dead gorgeous while walking down the aisle."

Gabriella squeezed my hand, her blue eyes sparkling with affection. "Exactly. You're strong, and you're going to get through this—on your terms. We'll help you make sure of that."

Their words were comforting, a balm to the raw wound that the situation with Lucien had inflicted. 

But deep down, the reality of my situation gnawed at me. "I appreciate it, I really do," I said softly. "But it's hard to get excited about a wedding that feels more like an arrangement  than a celebration of love."

Lilliana's expression softened, and she leaned closer. "I get it, Sera. This isn't what you wanted, and it's okay to feel conflicted. But here's the thing—you're still in control of your life. Even if this marriage isn't ideal, you can still decide how you approach it. You can make it work for you."

Gabriella nodded in agreement, her voice gentle but firm. "And just because Lucien loves someone else doesn't mean there isn't room for you to find happiness. You're not trapped in this situation forever, and who knows what the future holds?"

I sighed, feeling a mix of frustration and hope. "I guess you're right. I just wish I didn't feel so... powerless."

Lilliana gave me a reassuring smile. "You're anything but powerless, Serafina. You're one of the strongest people I know. And you don't have to face this alone. We're here with you every step of the way."

Gabriella nodded, her expression serious. "Exactly. We'll help you navigate this, one way or another. But for now, let's focus on making you feel amazing. Shopping, a little pampering, and maybe a few cocktails afterward—what do you say?"

I couldn't help but smile, their unwavering support warming my heart. "That sounds like exactly what I need right now."

Lilliana grinned, clearly pleased. "Perfect! Let's make it a day to remember."

With renewed determination, we gathered our belongings and made our way out of Zenith, the familiar sights and sounds of the bustling city providing a welcome distraction from the turmoil of our emotions.

As we wandered through the streets, the vibrant displays of storefronts beckoned to us, promising an escape from our troubles. 

Lilliana led the way, her eyes alight with excitement as she pointed out her favorite boutiques and designer shops.

"Ooh, how about this one?" Gabriella suggested, her gaze drawn to a trendy boutique with colorful dresses displayed in the window.

I nodded in agreement, the prospect of trying on new clothes, lifting my spirits even further. 

With a sense of purpose, we stepped inside the boutique, the air filled with the scent of brutal perfume and the soft murmur of shoppers browsing the racks.

For the next few hours, we lost ourselves in the joy of retail therapy, trying on dresses, shoes, and accessories with abandon. 

With each new outfit, I felt a little lighter, the weight of my worries gradually melting away.

As we emerged from the last store, our arms laden with shopping bags, I couldn't help but feel a sense of gratitude for my friends. 

Despite the challenges we faced, they had always been there for me, offering support and companionship in even the darkest of times.

"Thank you, both of you," I said, my voice filled with genuine appreciation. "Today was exactly what I needed."

Lilliana grinned, her eyes sparkling with mischief. "Anytime, Sera," she replied, looping her arm through mine.

With laughter and chatter filling the air, we made our way to our favorite café, ready to indulge in sweet treats and good company.

And as we settled into our seats, surrounded by the warmth of friendship, I couldn't help but feel hopeful for the future, knowing that no matter what challenges lay ahead, I would always have my girls by my side.

Sitting in the car, I couldn't help but marvel at the irony of my life. Here I was, about to marry the man of my dreams—except he's still dreaming about someone else. 

It's almost poetic, really. 

I get the wedding, the ring, the family alliance, and yet, I'm the one stuck with a husband who'd rather be anywhere else but at the altar with me. 

How romantic.

Everyone keeps telling me how strong I am and how I can handle anything. 

Sure, I can handle taking a bullet, orchestrating a strategic hit, or keeping the family business afloat. 

But dealing with a fiancé who's emotionally unavailable? That's a new kind of battlefield I wasn't trained for.

And let's not forget the cherry on top: I'm supposed to smile through it all. Smile while my heart shatters every time he glances at me with those indifferent eyes. 

Smile while he probably daydreams about Eleanor during our vows. 

It's almost funny how life gives you exactly what you asked for but twists it just enough to remind you that nothing is ever as perfect as it seems.

But hey, if I can survive this, I can survive anything, right?