The groom swallowed hard, his hand tightening around his bride’s. His eyes glistened, the weight of the words sinking deep.

The Silence That Followed

For once, the hall was silent. No glasses clinked, no whispers stirred. Every guest sat frozen, faces softened by the unexpected truth.

The man lowered the microphone. He did not ask for applause. He did not ask for pity. He simply bowed his head and walked back toward the door.