The Beaumont Grand Ballroom had been designed for people who wanted their happiness to look expensive.
Gold details curved along the high walls. Crystal chandeliers spilled warm light across the polished marble floor. Tall white rose arrangements framed the central aisle, and candles burned along the ground in perfect glowing rows.
The wedding had all the right ingredients for a social triumph.
A beautiful bride.
A handsome groom.
And an old man in a worn brown jacket standing at the entrance, holding a small envelope with both hands.
Ad placement: after opening paragraphs
The groom saw him first. His smile tightened.
“Who let him in?” he asked.