The ballroom was filled with elegantly dressed guests when Emily’s elderly mother quietly entered.
Her clothes were old and worn, but her face lit up when she saw her daughter.
“I just wanted to congratulate you both.”
The groom stepped forward to welcome her, but Emily stopped him.
“Mom… you came looking like this? Everyone is staring.”
Her mother’s smile disappeared.
“I only wanted to be here with you.”
“Please leave. Don’t ruin today.”
Without arguing, her mother lowered her head and walked out.
Minutes later, the wedding planner hurried toward Emily.
“We have a problem. The final wedding payment has been canceled.”
Emily stared at her.
“What payment?”
“The venue, dinner, decorations—almost everything. Your mother paid for it.”
Emily froze.
Her groom slowly released her hand.
Then the planner revealed something else.
“Your mother made me promise not to tell you. She didn’t want anyone thanking her. She only wanted you to have the wedding you dreamed about.”
Emily looked toward the exit.
Suddenly she remembered every time her mother had claimed she couldn’t afford something for herself.
Now Emily understood why.
Her mother had quietly been saving for this day.
Emily lifted her dress and ran toward the door.
For the first time that evening, she no longer cared what any of the guests thought.
