The heavy silence that followed Aliya's declaration was suffocating. High-ranking government ministers exchanged wide-eyed glances, corporate executives leaned in to murmur behind raised champagne flutes, and the string quartet on the balcony sat frozen, bows hovering above their instruments.
Down in the alumni section, Mark and Daniel sat with their mouths half-open, staring down the red carpet in sheer disbelief.
"Holy shit," Mark whispered, leaning over toward Jake and Catharine. "An actual objection? I mean, honestly, given how Alex operated back in university, is anyone really surprised a scandal hit his wedding?"
Daniel squinted, tilting his head as he studied the back of Aliya's posture in the center aisle. "Wait a second... doesn't she look kind of familiar to you guys?"
