But the moment she stepped into the church, her dream shattered. Every pew was filled — yet every face was male. Her father, uncles, cousins, Luke’s relatives… but not a single woman. Her mother, sister, and closest friends were nowhere to be seen. Confused, Hannah searched the room until Luke’s father approached with a polite smile.
“It’s our tradition,” he explained. “The men witness the ceremony; the women celebrate separately.”
In that instant, the truth hit her: she hadn’t been included at all. Luke hadn’t honored a tradition — he’d kept her in the dark, on purpose.
