The morning sun shone brightly over the grand outdoor garden setup.
White chairs stood in neat rows along the green lawn.
An American flag fluttered gently from a tall flagpole near the arch.
Clara stood inside the small bridal suite looking down at her belly.
She gently smoothed the satin fabric of her customized wedding dress.
She was four months pregnant and filled with endless excitement today.
Her mother had passed away five long years ago.
This antique silk dress was the only thing Clara had left of her.
She had worked with a tailor to make room for her pregnancy.
Every delicate lace pattern held a precious memory of her family history.
A knock sounded on the wooden door of the dressing room.
Evelyn: We need to talk to you about the family traditions right now.
Clara turned around with a warm and welcoming smile on her face.
Her mother-in-law Evelyn walked inside with a pair of sharp metal scissors.
Mark's aunt stood directly behind Evelyn with a bitter glare in her eyes.
Clara: Is everything okay out there with the arriving guests?
Evelyn: This dress is far too traditional for our high standards today.
Clara: My mother wore this dress when she married my father.
Evelyn: Well your family background is not as impressive as ours.
Evelyn stepped forward and pulled hard on the delicate lace sleeve.
Clara gasped in total shock and pulled back immediately.
Clara: Please do not touch that silk so roughly!
Evelyn: We are fixing this outfit whether you like it or not.
The fabric tore with a loud sharp sound in the quiet room.
Tears sprang quickly into Clara's wide emotional eyes.
She backed away toward the open patio doors leading outside.
She needed her groom to help stop this terrible behavior.