Behind her, the officiant hesitated. Ashley raised a hand without looking back. “We need a moment,” she said. The room stilled. Bill followed, silent, his face tight. Rowena came last, composed, hands folded. The ceremony paused, suspended in uneasy quiet.
The door closed behind them, muting the celebration entirely. Ashley turned, breath shallow. “Explain,” she said, her voice shaking despite her effort to steady it. “Why would you wear white today? Why would you do this to me?” Her hands trembled as she spoke.