Chapter 1: A Broken Bond
"You're going to report me to her now?" His voice darkened, his eyes burning with anger.
"No, Daniel, I would never. Mara is just..." Maria-Isabel tried to explain, but the mere mention of Mara's name sent him into a rage.
***
Mara walked into the room, excitement lighting up her face. She looked stunning in her silver low-cut dress, her hair elegantly pinned in a neat bun. Holding a bouquet in her hands, she moved gracefully, trying not to outshine the bride her best friend, Maria-Isabel. But with her striking figure and effortless charm, she was impossible to ignore.
"I have your bouquet now..." she began, her voice cheerful.
Then she stopped.
Halfway across the room, her steps faltered. The warmth in her expression of a bridesmaid faded, replaced by something colder confusion, and disbelief.
Her eyes darted to Maria-Isabel, and then to the man standing too close to her.
Daniel.
Her husband-to-be.
Mara stood frozen, gripping the bouquet so tightly her knuckles turned white. She had just watched Daniel's fingers tighten around Maria-Isabel's throat just for a moment, just enough to make a statement before he kissed her forehead and whispered,