ELENA

The church was breathtaking, filled with grand red and white decorations that spoke volumes of my father’s efforts to impress. Classical music floated softly through the air—mingling with the quiet murmurs of the well-dressed guests—and every detail—from the expensive floral arrangements to the golden accents on the pews—screamed extravagance. It was the kind of wedding people dream of—or at least some people. Not me.

I took in a deep breath, feeling the tightness of my ...