Summoning his courage, the groom gently lowered the veil back over the bride’s face, shielding her from the probing eyes of the bewildered guests. “Let’s… let’s take a moment,” he murmured, his voice barely above a whisper. He gestured discreetly for the priest to pause the ceremony, and then, taking the bride’s hand, he led her to a side room away from the prying eyes of the congregation.

In the quiet sanctuary of the side room, the groom finally found the courage to speak. “What’s happening?” he asked, his voice laced with both fear and concern. “Are you alright?”