My father took the microphone, his face tight with tension as he addressed the guests.
“I’m terribly sorry, everyone. Due to unforeseen circumstances, we’ll be canceling the wedding. All gifts will be returned and we offer our sincerest apologies for the inconvenience.”
He set down the microphone and turned to Shawn with a serious expression. “Lead the way. Let’s go find Leta.”
Just then, a heart-wrenching cry echoed from outside the grand entrance.
“Mom! Dad!”
The door swung open and there stood Leta, dressed in a flowing white gown, her face streaked with tears and panic. She stumbled in, her delicate ankles clattering against the floor in high heels that were both elegant and painfully loud. The Larsen Family had nurtured their little princess for over twenty years, teaching her poise and grace in every move she made. Even in her distress, as she ran and cried, there was a tragic beauty to her, a sight that drew pity from everyone around.
“Please don’t leave me! I don’t want to be alone!” she wailed, her voice breaking, and in that moment, all eyes turned toward her.