The atmosphere in the room shifted dramatically, the previous joy now replaced by a heavy, uncomfortable silence. I felt every pair of eyes in the room on me, scrutinizing, judging, and waiting for what would happen next. But I was no longer concerned about the opinions of others. My only focus was my mother, who had been humiliated so unjustly, and myself, who had been blind to the true nature of the man I thought I would spend my life with.
I took a deep breath and walked over to where my mother was sitting. I could see the sadness etched on her face and the silent gratitude in her eyes. Taking her hand, I helped her stand, offering a reassuring smile that I didn’t quite feel myself. I leaned in and whispered, “Let’s get out of here.” She nodded, squeezing my hand in response.
