The two’s first date had been at a small café, where they talked for hours about everything. Alexei was the kind of man with whom everything felt easy, and in his presence, Marina felt like the only woman in the world. Years passed, they got married, and then had children.
Their family traveled together, sought adventures, and cherished every moment.
However, when Marina was left alone after Alexei’s illness, her world collapsed. She was left in emptiness and didn’t believe she would ever love again.
Then Mikhail came into her life two years ago.
He was different from Alexei, but he brought warmth and light back into her life. Mikhail proposed, and Marina said “yes.”
“You will always be my first love, Alexei,” she whispered in her thoughts.
“But I believe you would be happy for me.
I am happy again.”
On this day, her sons were helping to prepare for the wedding, but there was a sense in her heart that something might go wrong.
When the priest asked if there were any objections, her sons stood up and said, “We object.”
Marina felt her heart stop. What had happened?
Why had her children, who had always supported her, decided to oppose her choice?
Anton, her eldest son, walked up to the microphone. 
“Mom, you can’t marry without one person here,” he said, and all eyes turned to him.
Marina didn’t understand what was happening, but at that moment, her children parted, and before her stood her daughter, Emilia, whom she hadn’t spoken to in years. Emilia walked up to her, tears in her eyes.
“I’m sorry, Mom,” she said.
“I was blinded by pain. I blamed you for Dad’s death, but now I understand. I missed you.
I want to be close to you.”
Mikhail stepped forward and took Emilia’s hand.
“Your mom loves you so much. You’ve brought her happiness,” he said.
Tears of joy filled Marina’s eyes, and she turned to the priest, “Please, continue.”
Their wedding became not just a new beginning for her and Mikhail, but a reunion of family. Emilia raised a glass, “To new beginnings.
To love.
To family. To Mom and Mikhail!”
The whole hall applauded, and Marina looked at her children and husband, her heart overflowing with happiness. She was stepping into a new chapter of her life, surrounded by love and support.
