The forest was dense, the sunlight filtering through the thick canopy of leaves in dappled patches. Elara trudged along the narrow path, her breath coming in quick, nervous gasps. The weight of her discovery was heavy on her shoulders. She was not just an ordinary young woman—she was the heir to a forgotten, magical kingdom. Her companion, a small, golden-furred creature with bright, intelligent eyes, scurried beside her.

That’s when I saw him—a man in his mid-thirties, shifty-eyed, and overly cautious about his carry-on. He was in seat 16C, and every few minutes, he glanced nervously towards the cockpit. The plane took off smoothly, and once we were at cruising altitude, the cabin lights dimmed. I pretended to read a book but kept my eyes on the man. It wasn’t long before he got up, casually making his way to the restroom.

I’ve always believed that love is like an orchestra. Every note, every instrument, every pause has to be in perfect harmony for it to work. But today, the symphony of love seemed out of tune, and I was about to crash a wedding to prove it. The ballroom of the Grand Pavilion was decorated in opulent shades of gold and cream, the kind of place where fairy tales are made. Crystal chandeliers sparkled overhead, and every table was adorned with intricate floral arrangements. As I stood at the entrance, I could feel the nervous energy radiating off me.