But the moment she stepped inside the church, that confidence slipped away.
The pews were filled, but something felt strikingly off. Every seat was occupied—yet not a single woman was in sight. Her father, uncles, cousins, and Luke’s relatives sat quietly, waiting. But her mother was nowhere to be seen. Her sister wasn’t there. Her closest friends—who had been thrilled to stand by her—were missing entirely.
When she met the eyes of Luke’s father, he gave a pleasant smile, as if nothing unusual had happened.
“This is our custom,” he said. “The men witness the ceremony. The women gather separately to celebrate.”
In that moment, her world stopped. She hadn’t been told. Her family hadn’t been told. A wedding, the most significant moment she had ever prepared for, had been divided in two without her understanding. And the tradition Luke had admired was one she suddenly realized she could not share.
Her pulse quickened as she stepped outside the church, trying to steady her breath. She pulled out her phone and called her mother, hoping for clarity.
Her mother answered immediately, her voice trembling with confusion.
