Seraphina used to mistake control for devotion. She realized this in a very uncomfortable way as she sat alone in the quiet library on the morning of the wedding, slowly flipping through an old leather notebook she had kept during her engagement. The pages held scribbled ideas, meeting notes, wedding sketches, and small reflections about her relationship with Adrian.
Five years ago, she had written with certainty, but now she read with caution. She found an entry dated two weeks after their engagement.
Adrian says it would be easier if I let him handle the board negotiations. He does not want me to be overwhelmed before the wedding. At the time, she had underlined easier twice and drawn a small heart in the margin.
