I stood beside my father, my heart pounding but bolstered by his presence. Around us, the guests began to murmur once again, but the tone had shifted from mockery to support. My bridesmaids approached with towels to wrap around me, their smiles providing warmth amidst the chilly aftermath of the incident.

Dylan approached, his earlier bravado replaced with contrition. “I’m so sorry,” he began, his eyes earnest. “I misjudged the situation. I never meant to upset you.”