Eleanor walked carefully down the shiny mirror aisle with a warm smile.
Her hands trembled slightly as she held out the fresh red roses.
She had spent hours picking the best stems early that morning.
Mother: These roses were for you...
Sarah turned around fast, her eyes full of intense sudden anger.
She stared at the humble bouquet with deep disgust and judgment.
Bride: Don't you dare touch me!
Sarah swatted at the flowers, knocking a few petals onto the floor.
Eleanor gasped quietly, clutching the remaining stems close to her chest.
Tears immediately filled the elderly mother's tired blue eyes.
Bride: You ruined everything! Get her out!
The entire hall fell completely silent as guests watched in shock.
Sarah stepped forward aggressively, pointing her long fingernail at Eleanor.
She blamed the old woman for stepping on her expensive dress train.
In reality, Eleanor had stayed at least two full feet away.
Mark saw the awful exchange from across the bright stage area.
His blood ran cold as he realized how his bride acted.
He moved across the shiny floor faster than he ever had before.
Groom: Stop!
Mark put his body directly between Sarah and his crying mother.
Sarah's face was completely flushed red with unbelievable childish rage.
She tried to push past Mark to yell at Eleanor again.
Mark grabbed Sarah's arm firmly, holding her back from his mother.
His stern look made the bride freeze in her place instantly.
Groom: Don't touch her! She is my mother!
Sarah's eyes went wide as she felt his strong grip.
She had never seen Mark look this angry in three years.
The whole crowd held their breath in total disbelief and terror.
The wedding planner stopped in her tracks, holding a clip board.
The soft background music suddenly cut out, leaving a heavy silence.
Eleanor tried to pull Mark's arm softly to calm him down.
Mother: Mark, son, it is alright, please do not fight.
Groom: No, mom, it is definitely not alright at all.
Mark glared at Sarah, waiting for her to apologize right away.
Instead, Sarah raised her chin arrogantly and refused to back down.