31 Day Writing Challenge #2: Day 7 - 'Traditional'

"I swear to God, if you say 'it is traditional' one more time, I will commit murder-suicide." Layla looked back and forth between her mother and the wedding planner, daring either to not heed her warning.

"Darling, we are talking about a wedding. Your wedding. I just want it to be perfect." Her mother tried to appease her,

"Then you should have let me marry Harvey!" Layla raged. Her mother's disapproval, both at the outburst and the mention of 'that boy', radiated from her. 

"Don't look at me like that, Mother. I am doing what you wanted. I left Harvey; I am marrying the man you forced upon me; at the venue you picked. But do not expect me to be happy about it, or care about any details of the God forsaken event. I promise that I will stand on that altar, and I will smile and say my vows in an Oscar worthy performance, every inch the happy, blushing bride. But I want no part in the planning, or the traditions. I am doing everything you asked, but, please Mother, please don't ask me to be excited about marrying someone I don't love and who wont make me happy, all while my heart hurts so badly that I can barely breath. Please, plan the wedding you want, Mother, you already chose the groom. Just leave me out of it."

No one saw the man standing in the doorway.