The hall was filled with white flowers, soft music playing in the background. Everyone stood when the groom entered — confident, calm, with that look in his eyes where the bride could read everything: love, nervousness, hope. Sophia walked toward him, her knees trembling. It was the day she had dreamed of all her life.
They stood facing each other, holding hands. The officiant spoke about family, loyalty, and love, but Sophia could no longer hear the words — only the pounding of her own heart.
And then, in the middle of the ceremony, Alex — her groom — suddenly went pale. He let go of her hand and took a step back. Everyone froze. He dropped to his knees. But not before her.
Sophia turned — and behind her, at the entrance, stood an elderly woman with a cane.
Alex, his hands shaking, removed the ring and whispered:
“Forgive me, Mom. I couldn’t do this until you came.”
She stood still, unable to believe what she saw. His mother had been against the wedding from the very beginning. She hadn’t come to the rehearsals, hadn’t answered calls, insisting that “her son was making a mistake.”
But now, as soon as he saw her at the door, the rest of the world ceased to exist.
He walked up to her on his knees, embraced her, and began to cry.
The hall fell silent. Sophia didn’t know whether to cry, to leave, or just to stand still.
It felt as if the entire world had stopped, watching a man torn between his past and his future.
When Alex finally rose to his feet, his eyes were red, and his voice trembled:
“I won’t marry until she gives us her blessing.”
His mother slowly approached, looked at the bride —
and, for the first time, smiled.
