The ballroom went quiet.
“After my dad died, Mom worked two jobs to raise me. She paid for my education. She never made me ashamed of what we had.”
His voice broke.
“And I made her ashamed of how she earned it.”
He lowered the microphone.
No one applauded.
There was nothing to celebrate.
Daniel asked the coordinator to cancel the remaining speeches.
Richard left without giving his toast.
The wedding ceremony had already taken place, but the reception ended early.
Guests departed in uncomfortable silence.
Jessica wouldn’t speak to her father.
And Daniel went home with the little trophy I’d sent him.
The wedding wasn’t canceled.
But the celebration was over.
Richard called me that night.
He told me everything.
“I’m sorry I believed Jessica,” he said.
“You couldn’t have known.”
“I should have asked Daniel.”
I thanked him for speaking up.
Then he asked whether I was alright.
