“I’m sorry,” Lila said finally, her voice barely audible. “I didn’t mean to hurt you. I just… wanted everything to be perfect.”

“I know,” I replied, offering her a small smile. “But maybe perfect is overrated.”

The atmosphere shifted as Matthew guided Lila back to the altar, the guests settling into their seats once more. The ceremony resumed, quieter now, with a renewed sense of sincerity. The vows were exchanged, each word spoken with an earnestness that resonated deeper for all that had transpired.

In the days that followed, Lila’s wedding became a viral sensation—not for the reasons she’d hoped, but ultimately for something more significant. It sparked conversations about inclusivity, about the pressures we place on ourselves for the sake of appearances, and about the true meaning of family and love.

Though it wasn’t the day she planned, it became a day of unexpected transformation. A reminder that even amid chaos and imperfection, there’s room for growth and understanding. And for me, it became a testament to resilience—a reaffirmation that I am not a burden, but a part of a tapestry that is all the richer for its diverse threads.