I arrived at the church vestibule. The organ music had already begun to play softly. My father was waiting for me at the end of the hall, looking at his watch, worried. When he saw me, his face lit up with a smile, but it faded when he saw my expression.
“Daughter, what’s wrong? Are you okay? Your makeup…” she began, approaching.
I took her hands in mine. They were warm and safe.
—Dad, I need you to be strong and support me in this. There will be no wedding.
He looked at me confused, searching my eyes for an explanation.
—What? Why? Is it because of nerves?
“No, Dad. Jerry doesn’t love me. I just found him in the bathroom with Vanessa. He only wanted your money and your influence. It’s all been a lie.”
My father’s face went from confusion to red fury in a matter of seconds. He squeezed my hands tightly.
—What did that bastard do? I’m going to kill him.
“No,” I stopped him, placing a hand on his chest. “He’s not worth it. He’s not worth your anger or my tears. Let’s do this with class. Let’s go in there, and I’m going to tell everyone I’m free.”
My father took a deep breath, nodded, and offered me his arm, not to hand me over, but to hold me.
—I’m with you, my girl. Always.
We entered the main hall. The wedding music, the march meant to announce my triumphant entrance, began to play. All the guests stood, turning to look at me. They smiled, taking out their phones to take pictures. Jerry and Vanessa hadn’t come upstairs yet; they must be downstairs, trying to compose themselves or plotting how to keep me under control.
I walked to the altar, but I didn’t stop at the bride’s place. I climbed up to the pulpit and took the microphone from the priest, who was looking at me, puzzled.
Silence fell over the room. I could feel the confusion in the air. I took a deep breath, looking at all those people who loved me.
“I’m sorry,” I said, my amplified voice ringing clear and firm. “I know everyone came to celebrate love. But there will be no wedding today.”
A murmur of astonishment swept through the pews.
“Ten minutes ago,” I continued, feeling a new strength surge within me, “I discovered that the person I was going to marry and my maid of honor are having an affair behind my back. I discovered that this marriage was a business arrangement for him.”
Gasps of surprise filled the church. I saw Jerry’s mother in the front row put her hand to her chest, pale.