The ceremony was perfect—or at least it was supposed to be. The bride looked radiant, the captain stood tall at the altar, and the guests sat in quiet admiration. But the moment was shattered when the doors banged open, and in stumbled John Price, disheveled and reeking of booze.

Murmurs spread through the crowd like wildfire. The bride froze mid-step, her bouquet trembling in her hands.

“Am I late?” Price called out, his voice slurred but loud enough to command the room. His eyes landed on the captain, narrowing in drunken disdain. “So, this is the lucky bastard, huh?”

“Dad, no,” she pleaded, her voice thick with embarrassment and anger.

He ignored her, staggering closer, a bitter laugh escaping his lips. “You’re marrying a soldier? One of them? Haven’t I taught you anything?”

The captain stepped forward, his jaw tight but his voice calm. “Sir, this isn’t the time or place. You need to leave.”

“Leave?” Price barked, his words sharp despite the slur. “Oh no, mate. Not before I say my piece. You think you can take care of her? You think you’re good enough for her? You’re just another grunt, and I know exactly how this ends.”

“Stop it!” his daughter yelled, tears welling in her eyes. “You don’t get to do this! You don’t get to ruin this day!”

For a moment, Price faltered, guilt flickering in his eyes. But it was gone as quickly as it came, replaced by bitterness. He pointed at her, his voice cracking. “You don’t need him. You don’t need anyone. You’re better off alone, trust me.”

Her hands clenched into fists. “No, you needed someone, and you pushed them all away. I’m not you, Dad. I’m not going to end up like you.”

Silence hung heavy in the air. Price staggered back, his expression unreadable.