Chapter 11

CASSANDRA'S POV~

As I stood before the mirror, decked out in my gown, I felt a surge of happiness and pride. My mother and the makeup artists gasped and gushed over me, ooh-ing and ahh-ing with each new angle they captured on their cameras. Their words of praise rang like sweet music in my ears.

"Oh, my darling, you look breathtaking!" my mother exclaimed, tears brimming in her eyes. "I am so proud of you and I know your father would be too wherever he is." She pressed a gentle kiss to my forehead, sending a warm wave of emotion through my body.

I returned her hug, my heart swelling with love and gratitude. I had always been close to my mother, and her presence and support meant the world to me. "Thank you, Mom," I whispered, tears stinging my eyes. "I couldn't have done this without you."

With my mother by my side, we made our way to the grand banquet hall. As we entered, a cacophony of voices filled the air as my friends, family, and work colleagues swarmed around me, offering their