KATHRYN SOBRERANO

ALTHEA'S POV

After all these years of pain and sorrow, one would think that my family would have found some semblance of peace. But with the impending wedding, I felt nothing but dread. It was supposed to be a joyous occasion, but it felt more like we were stuck in a place of grief, unable to move forward.

I lay on my bed, dreading the moment when I'd have to leave the room and face the reality of the situation. Who would walk me down the aisle?

My father was out of the question - he has been kidnapped a week ago and is yet to be found. My brother, who had always been my rock, was gone too - taken by a car accident days after his birthday. The thought of walking down the aisle alone, without either of them by my side, was almost too much to bear.

As for my groom, I knew he wouldn't be there. There was no way he'd show up, he would never come. And if he did, it would surely be a sign of the apocalypse.

Downstairs, my sister Bella and my mother were greeting the guests as they arrived.