I tried to blink away the water forming in my eyes, but it blurred my vision anyway.

“You’re lying…”

My voice trembled, but he didn’t deny it. He only stared, his silence heavier than whatever words he might say to prove his point.

“Why? Why does that have to…happen?” I asked, my voice tired.

His voice was thick as he responded, “Because they have to confirm that the union isn’t fake. It’s a tradition. Their tradition.”

I swallowed heavily. Did he and Bianca too…No, I ...