When it was time for the parents to speak, Marina took the microphone. “Kids, be happy. Love each other forever.” Her simple words were so full of feeling that the guests clapped.
As she stepped down, she almost bumped into a tall man in an expensive suit. “It can’t be,” the man said. “Marishka, is that you? What are you doing here?”
“Maxim?” Marina couldn’t believe her eyes.
“The bride’s father is my business partner. He invited me to the wedding. Your son is so handsome,” Maxim said, taking her hand nervously. “Let’s talk by the window. Are you here alone? I’ve been divorced for 10 years and have no kids.”
They talked for an hour. Maxim told her how his father had lied to him, saying Marina had left him for someone else. He’d been heartbroken.
“Let’s not talk about sad things,” Marina said. “It’s a wedding. I’ll tell you everything later. For now, let’s dance.”
The guests watched the beautiful couple. Ilya looked at his mother and saw her in a new way. He realized how much she’d given up for him.
For the first time, he felt truly ashamed. He saw his mother walking towards the exit with Maxim and quickly caught up with them on the porch.
“Mom, where are you heading?”
“I’m leaving. That’s exactly what you wished for,” the mother reminded him.
“Mom, I’m really sorry, but where are you going with this guy?”
“I’m more than willing to go with him to the farthest corners of the earth,” Marina confessed earnestly. “By the way, meet your dad, Maxim.”
Ilya stared at Marina in bewilderment. She paused for a moment and then added with a smile:
“Yeah, it seems like we’ve got a really long talk coming up. But not today. Today is all about the wedding!”
