Chapter 3 — The Groom Who Failed the Test
Chapter 3 — The Groom Who Failed the Test
Andrew rushed toward Clara.
"Please... don't do this."
She looked at him without anger.
Only disappointment.
"I wasn't talking about the venue."
"I was talking about us."
Andrew reached for her hand.
She stepped back.
"My mother wasn't thinking."
"She lost control."
Clara's voice remained calm.
"No."
"She showed me exactly who she is."
"And so did you."
Andrew lowered his head.
"I was trying to keep the peace."
Clara slowly nodded.
"While I stood there wearing a dress I spent six months making."
"While your mother destroyed it."
"You didn't protect me."
"You asked me to apologize."
Every word landed harder than the last.
The guests avoided looking at Andrew.
Even his best man quietly stepped away.
Patricia suddenly dropped to her knees.
"I'm sorry."
"I'll pay for the dress."
"I'll replace it."
Clara looked down at the torn fabric.
"You can't."
"My mother embroidered every flower on that gown before she passed away."
"I spent six months restoring her work."
"It wasn't expensive because of the silk."
"It was priceless because it was the last thing we ever created together."
Patricia covered her mouth.
The realization crushed her.
Money had never been enough to replace what she destroyed.
Clara turned toward the venue manager.
"Cancel today's ceremony."
"And refund every vendor."
"Their work deserves to be respected."
The manager bowed.
"It will be done immediately."
Andrew finally understood.
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He hadn't lost a wedding.
He had lost the only woman who had ever loved him without conditions.
