Beyond the Altar

Vivienne’s POV

My mother’s arms trap me in a suffocating embrace before I can take a single step toward the venue exit. She squeezes the breath out of me, her heavy perfume overpowering the sweet scent of the lavish floral arrangements decorating the reception hall behind us. She pulls back just enough to hold my face, her stern, warning gaze locking onto mine. Her manicured nails dig slightly in