ds all day, their differing expectations for the wedding creating a constant undercurrent of tension. Yet

delicate balance of silence in the room. Carmen st

e," she said, her voice warm

od comes from being late!" With that, everyone sprang into action. Yiayia, always on the move, was the first to st

nt. This was it-her wedding day. It was hard to believe it had come so fast, the

, who was the maid of honor. Her parents and Yiayia rode in a separate limo. T

ing beside her son, Demos, cast

ayia said, her voice tinged with

replied, "Mama, it's normal for a girl to

er-explain to her that the family reputation

ou and Fiona have already spoken to her about that. Besid

voice calm but serious, "we've taught our daughte

hing happens in the future. I'm telling you, girls nowadays, if their husban

remained gentle. "Mama, o

me, and listen to me good. First, I pray to God that day never comes-but IF she comes running to us sayin

y. "Mama, please. We don't n

nced. "You can ignore me all you want, but mark my words:

d. "As you wish, Mama. Now, cheer up! The in-laws will think y

ng from her shoulders. Demos was right. She couldn't let the weight of tradition

rived early. He was dressed sharply in his tuxedo, standing tall and confident. Yet, even h

We're cutting it close. I think it's time," he said,

turned to the guests, waving them off gently before moving

ut to marry Theora, the woman he'd promised to spend his life with. But the

ne's eyes on her, even though she knew it wasn't truly the case. Her nerves had gotten the best of her-she could feel it in the way her he

eassuring squeeze. His words, filled with love and encouragement, should have brought her peace. Yet,

e admitted quietly, her vo

heora's arm. "It's normal to feel this way. But remember, you'v

she barely knew, and despite their promises, despite the preparation, she couldn't silence the

felt the quiet loneliness of standing there with just her parents. The hallways of the chur

id gently. "It's a big day, yes. But it's als

hifted. She had spent so long preparing, but in that instant, it felt like none

ere was no going back now. As the last bridesmaid entered the church, leaving only

father asked, his v

here was no turning back. This was the beginning o

so," she

church opened, and Theora took h