I felt the tension in the hall reach its peak. Guests exchanged glances; the whispers ceased. I stepped forward and continued calmly:

— Three months ago, I received a letter that overturned everything I knew about our life, — I said, holding a folder of evidence. — I discovered that many decisions I thought were made jointly were in fact made by your mother. She interfered in Daniel’s work, limited his career opportunities, and even executed financial transactions in his name to control us.

The hall froze. Katarina opened her mouth, but no words came out. Sebastian stood beside me, holding my hand, realizing for the first time the scale of the manipulations we had endured.

— I stayed silent for your sake, — I addressed him, — so as not to ruin our life prematurely. But today everything comes to light.

The laughter disappeared. Katarina’s face turned pale; her confidence vanished.

— Before you give me lessons about family honor, — I continued calmly, — tell them why you secretly met with a person who tried to bankrupt your husband’s company.

At that moment, I realized: we had begun a new phase where decisions would be made together, where respect and honesty are more important than control and manipulation.

The wedding continued, but now it was real — without secrets, without pressure, with truth and freedom for both of us.