I wanted to give them an honest explanation without turning the ceremony into another public fight.
Kathleen watched me put my phone away.
“You’ll regret this.”
I met her eyes.
“Maybe I’ll grieve what I thought I had.”
Then I glanced toward Larry.
“But I won’t regret refusing to kneel.”
I walked towards the door with Jenna next to me.
Larry followed.
“Elizabeth, wait.”
I stopped.
He lowered his voice.
“If you marry me today, we can discuss boundaries afterwards.”
I stared at him.
“Why couldn’t we discuss this before you forced me to my knees?”
He had no answer.
The ceremony room on the ground floor was filled with familiar faces.
The flowers I had chosen lined the central aisle, and the guests sat under the soft glow of the chandeliers.
My mother was standing quite far forward.
When she saw me, she immediately came up to me and hugged me.
I held her tight.
Then I looked at the microphone that stood next to the ceremonial table.
The coordinator quietly assured me that I could speak whenever I was ready.
I walked towards it.
Larry and Kathleen entered the room behind me.
A murmur went through the guests.
I heard Larry call my name, but I kept walking.
Then Kathleen rushed forward and reached the microphone before I could even begin.
Her face was pale with anger.
“Please all remain seated.”
I stopped standing next to her.
Larry stood a few meters away and seemed visibly uncomfortable.
Kathleen looked around the room.
“Elizabeth has created a very unfortunate situation because she refuses to respect our family.”
An awkward silence fell over the guests.
She turned towards me, her voice so clear that the microphone could pick up every word.
“I’m giving you one last chance, Elizabeth. So apologize to me in front of everyone, agree to my conditions, or leave this family forever.”
