Months had passed since that dreadful night in the hospital, and things had finally started to settle. Stacey had seemingly disappeared, her threats quieted, and life moved forward. Tim and Lily were wrapped up in the newness of their relationship, spending every free moment together—dates, time with family, and work filled their days.

Lily’s hard work hadn’t gone unnoticed either. A designer had seen her collection at a college design competition and brought her on as an intern. Her career was taking off, and everything seemed perfect. Eric and Emily had also welcomed a baby girl, Katelyn, into the world. The moment Lily laid eyes on her niece, she had fallen in love and started dreaming of the day she and Tim would have a family of their own.

Today, however, all attention was on Emily’s wedding. The tent was buzzing with excitement as Emily prepared to walk down the aisle. Inside, Lily helped her future sister-in-law get ready along with Rachel, one of Emily’s close friends.

“You look absolutely stunning!” Rachel beamed, stepping back to admire her handiwork.

Lily nodded in agreement. “You’re going to steal the show, Emily. Eric is going to lose his mind when he sees you.”

Emily blushed, adjusting the lace veil draped delicately over her dark curls. “Thank you both for being here with me. It means the world.”

Rachel pulled Emily into a hug. “We wouldn’t miss it for anything,” she whispered, her voice thick with emotion.

Lily joined in, wrapping her arms around them both. “I love you, Emily. You’re going to be such an amazing sister-in-law.”

Emily smiled through misty eyes. “I love you too, both of you.”

The girls finished the final touches on Emily’s look, and soon, her father arrived to escort her down the aisle. The moment had finally come. They wished her luck and hurried to their seats, eager for the ceremony to begin.

Lily couldn’t help but feel a surge of pride as she watched her brother standing at the altar, looking nervous but undeniably handsome. She caught his eye and mouthed, She’s beautiful.

Eric grinned and mouthed back, I can’t wait to see her.

The music began, and all eyes turned to Emily as she stepped onto the aisle, her arm looped through her father’s. Lily’s heart swelled with emotion, but it was when she glanced across the aisle at Tim that her breath caught in her throat. His eyes were locked on hers, a grin tugging at the corner of his mouth.

“You’re next,” Tim mouthed playfully.

Lily’s face flushed crimson, and she quickly looked away, her heart racing. The thought of marrying Tim, of sharing a life with him, was enough to send her mind spinning. It felt too good to be true, like a dream she didn’t dare to fully embrace.

The ceremony continued, with Eric and Emily exchanging vows that brought tears to Lily’s eyes. When the pastor declared them husband and wife, the crowd erupted in cheers, and Lily found herself clapping louder than anyone. Her brother scooped Emily into his arms, stealing a kiss before they hurried down the aisle. They didn’t even make it to the reception before disappearing, too eager to start their honeymoon.

Tim, ever the gentleman, didn’t waste a second before whisking Lily onto the dance floor. “Come dance with me,” he said, pulling her close.

“I didn’t know you could slow dance,” Lily teased, resting her head against his shoulder.

Tim chuckled, swaying her effortlessly. “I’m full of surprises.”

Lily smiled, feeling the rhythm of his heartbeat as they moved together. “I’m so happy right now,” she whispered softly in his ear.

“Me too,” he murmured back, placing a tender kiss on her lips as they danced beneath the twinkling lights.

When the song ended, they made their way to the refreshment table, filling plates with food and grabbing drinks. Becca spotted them from across the room and waved them over. “Lily! Come sit with us,” she called, motioning to a table where Ryan sat.

As they approached, Lily leaned in and whispered to Becca, “You and Ryan seem awfully close lately.”

Becca grinned sheepishly. “Well, I took your advice and confessed my feelings. He said he’d give us a chance, so… we’re dating now.”

Lily’s eyes widened in surprise. “What? Why didn’t you tell me sooner?”

“It’s only been three days!” Becca laughed, shrugging.

“Well, congratulations! I’m so happy for you,” Lily said, giving her a quick hug.

Tim, overhearing their conversation, smiled at Becca. “Congrats to you, Becca. I’m happy for both of you.”

Becca chuckled, surprised by his comment. “Thanks, Tim.”

The group sat together, talking and laughing, enjoying the rest of the celebration. After a while, Lily excused herself. “I’m going to run to the bathroom real quick,” she said, pushing her chair back.

“I’ll come with you,” Becca offered, standing up.

They walked toward the restroom tent, chatting about their relationships. When they finished, Lily said, “I’ll wait for you outside, Becca.”

“Okay, just give me a minute,” Becca replied, heading inside.

Lily stepped outside the tent and admired the breathtaking sunset that streaked across the sky in shades of pink and orange. She was lost in thought, imagining her own wedding to Tim, when everything suddenly went dark. A loud thump echoed behind her, and the next thing she knew, strong arms were grabbing her.

“Hurry,” one of the men hissed. “The Miss will be furious if we mess this up.”

Before Lily could react, two strangers lifted her off the ground, carrying her swiftly into the woods. Panic surged through her, but she couldn’t scream, couldn’t fight. They threw her into the backseat of a waiting car, slamming the door behind her.

As the engine roared to life, the men exchanged hurried whispers. Lily, groggy and disoriented, could only wonder one thing: What was happening, and who had taken her?