Chapter Eighty Three: ladies night

Lily’s POV……

The night before my wedding didn’t feel real.

It felt like standing at the edge of something huge and quiet, like the world was holding its breath with me.

Outside, Iceland stretched endlessly—snow glowing under the moonlight, the sky so clear it felt fragile. Inside the lodge, warmth wrapped around us, soft lights casting golden shadows on wood-paneled walls. The fire crackled gently, and somewhere in the distance, the wind howled like it was telling old stories.

I sat cross-legged on the rug in oversized pajamas, my freshly cut black hair falling around my face. Every time I caught my reflection in the glass wall, I paused.

I really did look like my mother.

That thought still hurt—but it also made me feel brave.

Sophia burst into the living room carrying a tray stacked dangerously high with snacks. “Okay, rule number one: tonight is about us. No Andrew. No Adrian. No stress. No tears—unless they’re happy ones.”

Aria followed behind her, dragging a blanket and a bag of m