Chapter 76: Prior to the Promises

The disclosure from "Project Phoenix" weighed heavily on John and Marie. There was now a sinister undertone to the perfect weeks leading up to their wedding. With a façade of normality covering their mounting uneasiness, they carried on with the wedding preparations. The anticipation of the storm made the pleasure and laughter throughout the dress fittings and cake tastings seem hollow. One evening, when they were sitting on their balcony with the dazzling city lights below, John stated, "We can't let this ruin our day, Marie." Marie put her hand on his arm and leaned closer. She said, "I know," in a worried tone. "But how can we celebrate when the world feels like it's about to crumble?" John gave her a little squeeze. "We rejoice together because of one another. Because we discovered love and resilience in spite of everything. And nothing from a shady group can take away from it." Marie's lips curled into a timid grin. "You're right," she acknowledged. However, we also cannot