The wedding was their idea. Not small and intimate like Ethan and I wanted, but big, elegant, and “appropriate.”
“People expect a certain standard,” his mother kept saying.
So the guest list grew—business partners, friends of friends, people I’d never met and probably never would. The venue was expensive, the flowers imported. Everything had to look perfect.
I didn’t care about any of it. The only people who mattered to me were Ethan and Dad.
On the wedding day, Dad arrived early. He stood near the entrance, adjusting his tie, looking a little overwhelmed. But when he saw me, his face lit up.
“You look beautiful, dear,” he murmured, eyes glistening.
I hugged him. “I’m glad you’re here, Dad.”
“Wouldn’t miss it for anything, princess.”
Ethan came over and hugged him warmly. “Really glad you’re here, Joe.”
Dad smiled. “Wouldn’t be anywhere else.”
But then the whispers started. The looks. People from Ethan’s side leaning away when Dad walked past. His mother gently steering guests to other tables.
Each time, the chairs around Dad’s table emptied. He noticed—I could tell by the way he kept his eyes down, hands folded.
Then the comments grew louder. “These are business contacts. It’s not the right crowd.”
Before I could respond, Ethan’s parents approached Dad.
“We have a lot of important guests here,” his mother said softly. “Friends, business associates… people who might feel uncomfortable.”
Ethan’s father added, “It might be best if you left early. For appearances.”
My stomach dropped.
Dad’s shoulders tensed.
“You understand,” his mother added quickly. “We don’t want things to be awkward.”
I opened my mouth to explode, but Dad lifted his hand gently.
“I understand,” he said calmly. “But before I go, may I say a few words? Give a toast to my daughter?”
Ethan’s father nodded immediately. “Of course.”
His mother smiled, relieved. “That’s fine. But then you’ll leave?”
“Yes,” Dad said. “After that.”
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