Chapter 7 - Walking Down the Aisle
Mara waited in a private bridal room while guests gathered for the ceremony.
She had imagined this day many times.
In those dreams, Evelyn adjusted her veil. Richard offered his arm. Her parents smiled with pride as they walked her toward Daniel.
Now Evelyn was somewhere inside the reception hall, refusing to leave.
Richard stood outside the bridal room alone.
Sofia opened the door slightly.
“Your father is asking to speak with you.”
Mara considered refusing.
Then she remembered Beatrice’s instruction.
Speak clearly.
She allowed him inside.
Richard looked older than he had a week earlier.
“I owe you an apology,” he said.
Mara waited.
“I should have stopped your mother.”
“You did more than fail to stop her. You supported her.”
Richard lowered his eyes.
“Yes.”
“Why?”
“Because disagreeing with Evelyn has consequences.”
“So does agreeing with her.”
He nodded slowly.
“I understand that now.”
Mara studied his face. She wanted to believe him, but years of silence could not be repaired by one honest sentence.
“Are you asking to walk me down the aisle?”
“I was hoping.”
Mara looked toward the mirror.
“No.”
Pain crossed his face.
She continued before he could respond.
“You taught me that keeping someone calm was more important than telling the truth. Grandmother taught me differently. I am walking myself.”
Richard swallowed.
“I understand.”
“You may attend as my father. But you are not giving me away. I was never yours to give.”
For a moment, he looked as though he might argue.
Instead, he stepped aside.
When the music began, Mara entered the ceremony alone.
She felt every eye turn toward her, but she did not feel abandoned.
Daniel waited at the end of the aisle.
His expression held no pity, only pride.
Halfway down, Mara noticed an empty chair decorated with a single white rose.
It had been reserved for Beatrice.
May you like
Mara smiled through her tears.
She was not walking alone after all.
