However, his behavior suddenly changed when he approached a woman seated near the edge of the tent. Her name was Laura, a distant cousin of the groom whom few people knew well. Max hesitated, sniffing the air before moving closer. Laura shifted uncomfortably in her seat, her hand moving to smooth down the fabric of her long dress.

Without warning, Max began barking loudly, drawing the attention of everyone nearby. He lunged forward, his normally friendly disposition replaced by an intense focus on Laura. The music stopped abruptly, and conversations ceased as guests turned to see what was causing the commotion.