“Since the bride and groom raise no objections,” he said at last, “we must proceed.” His voice shook, but he turned the page in his book as though bound to continue. Around him, the guests shifted uneasily, their faces pale with disbelief. Clara shook her head slowly. “No,” she whispered, but her words were swallowed by the weight of the moment.
No one moved to stop it. No one dared to intervene. The ceremony pressed on, surreal and unstoppable, with Stephanie now standing where Clara had been meant to stand. Tears blurred Clara’s vision as Liam and Stephanie clasped hands, turning to face the officiant together. Her body screamed at her to run, but her legs felt rooted.