‘We object!’
Margarita found love again ten years after the death of her first husband. But it seems her problems were far from over. When the officiant at her wedding asked if anyone had any objections, her four children stood up and said they did. Margarita’s heart sank as she wondered what had gone wrong and why her once supportive children were now objecting. What had happened?
The afternoon sun shone through the windows as I sat in my favourite armchair. ‘Oh, Ivan, I miss you every day,’ I murmured, my fingers sliding over the edges of an old photograph. The photo album lay on my lap, filled with memories of a life gone by.
I looked at Ivan’s photo, his smile so vivid, as if he were still here with me. Oh, my God! We met in college, young and full of dreams. Our first date was at a small café near campus, where we talked for hours about everything and nothing. He knew how to make me feel special, as if I were the only person in the world who mattered.
As I flipped through the pages, each photo brought back a flood of memories. Here was our wedding day, a beautiful sunny day in June. I can still hear the laughter of our friends and family, see the joy in Ivan’s eyes as we exchanged our vows. We were so happy, so full of hope for the future.
We had our share of adventures, travelling to places we had always dreamed of visiting. There was a trip to Italy, where we got lost in the winding streets of Rome and ended up eating the best pizza of our lives. Or the time we went hiking in the mountains and Ivan insisted on building a campfire despite the pouring rain. We laughed so much that night, huddled together under our makeshift tent, feeling like nothing bad could ever happen.
But then life happened. When I was 42, Ivan fell ill, and despite our hopes and prayers, he passed away. The day I lost him was the hardest day of my life. The house felt empty, and my heart ached with a loneliness I couldn’t escape.
For years, I believed that such love only happens once in a lifetime. I lived on autopilot, pursuing hobbies and spending time with friends, but something was always missing.
That’s when Mikhail came into my life. Two years ago. Mikhail was very different from Ivan, but he brought light back into my life. We met at a dinner party at a friend’s house, and I was drawn to his kindness and sense of humour. Gradually, he became an important part of my life. I felt the warmth of love again, which I thought was gone forever. So when he proposed to me six months ago, I immediately said ‘yes’.
I closed the photo album, pressing it to my chest. ‘Ivan, you will always be my first love,’ I whispered, feeling a tear roll down my cheek. ‘But I think you would be happy for me. I have found someone who makes me smile again.’
I looked around the cosy living room, a place that held so many memories. Today, my house was buzzing with excitement as we prepared for my wedding to Mikhail. My children were all here, making everything perfect.
‘Mum, can you help me with this banner?’ Yakov called from the living room. He was adjusting the decorations, making sure every detail was in place. Yakov always had an eye for these things. ‘Of course, dear,’ I said, coming over to help him.
As I helped him, I looked around the room and felt a wave of happiness wash over me. Igor was coordinating the catering by phone. ‘Make sure they know about the vegetarian dishes,’ I reminded him. He nodded, giving me a thumbs up. Oleg was arranging flowers in the corner with such care. ‘These lilies look beautiful, Oleg,’ I said. ‘Thank you, Mum. I just want everything to be perfect for you and Mikhail,’ he replied, his eyes shining with love and excitement. Veniamin, my youngest, walked around the room, making sure everything was going smoothly. ‘Mum, I checked the sound system. Everything is ready for the music and speeches,’ he said, giving me a quick hug. ‘Thank you, Venya. You’re all doing such a great job,’ I said, feeling a lump in my throat. My children were a true blessing.
Mikhail was in the living room, rereading his vows. He looked up and smiled when I approached. ‘How are you holding up?’ he asked, taking my hand. ‘I’m fine, thanks to all of you,’ I said, squeezing his hand. ‘I am so lucky to have such wonderful children and to have you in my life.’ ‘We’re all here for you, Mum,’ said Jacob, joining us. ‘We want your day to be perfect.’ ‘And it will be, thanks to all your hard work,’ I said, my heart overflowing with pride and love.
Throughout the day, the house was filled with laughter and chatter. It was chaos, but in the best possible way. That evening, we gathered in the backyard for a small rehearsal dinner. The space was decorated with twinkling lights and flowers. Everything felt exciting.
‘Mum, do you like everything?’ Yakov asked, sitting down next to me. ‘Yes, dear,’ I replied with a smile. Mikhail came over and hugged me. ‘Are you ready for tomorrow, my love?’ he asked with a smile. ‘I think so,’ I replied, snuggling up to him. ‘It’s hard to believe it’s almost happening.’
Oleg raised his glass. ‘A toast to Mum and Mikhail. May your love be as bright and long-lasting as these lights,’ he said, and everyone clinked glasses. ‘To Mum and Mikhail!’ everyone repeated, their faces full of joy and support. I looked at my children, feeling overwhelmed with gratitude. “Thank you all for being here and for everything you’ve done. I couldn’t have dreamed of a better family,‘ I said, my voice trembling with emotion. ’Mum, we wouldn’t have missed this for the world,‘ said Benjamin, smiling warmly. Oleg nodded. ’Yes, we’re so happy to see you happy again.”
But despite the laughter and love that surrounded me, part of my heart ached for Emilia, my estranged daughter. I couldn’t help but wonder if she would ever forgive me. Her absence was a constant reminder of the pain that still remained. ‘Emilia would have loved this,’ I said quietly, more to myself than to anyone else. Michael squeezed my hand. ‘She may still change her mind, Margarita. Give her time.’ ‘I hope so,’ I replied, trying to push the sadness away.
The next day, my heart pounded as I stood next to Michael, face to face with the master of ceremonies in our picturesque outdoor venue. Flowers and twinkling lights created a magical atmosphere, but nothing could have prepared me for what happened next.
‘If anyone objects to this union, speak now or forever hold your peace,’ said the master of ceremonies. My four children stood together, their faces serious. ‘We object!’ they said in unison. My heart sank. Just yesterday, everything had been so perfect.
Before I could ask, Jacob spoke up. ‘You can’t get married, Mum, at least not without one person.’ The children parted, creating a passage. And there she was. Emilia. I couldn’t believe my eyes! She was walking towards us, tears streaming down her face. My emotions were boiling inside me, almost overflowing.
‘Mum, I’m so sorry,’ she said in a trembling voice. Tears welled up in my eyes as I rushed to hug her. “Forgive me, Mum. I blamed you for Dad’s death, but over the years I’ve realised how unfair that was,‘ she added, pulling away. ’He made a choice, and you fulfilled his wish. I was too hurt to see that.”
When Ivan was suffering from his illness, he made me sign a document. It said that if his heart stopped, we would not be resuscitated. I fulfilled his wish, and it broke my heart. Emilia was devastated and said I had killed him. She disappeared from my life, and I was afraid I would never see her again.
‘I missed you so much, sweetheart,’ I said to her. ‘I tried to get in touch, to explain, but I understand why you couldn’t hear me then.’ Emilia hugged me again, and we both cried as we made peace. “I don’t want you to start this new chapter in your life without knowing that I support you. Mikhail seems like a wonderful person, and I want to be part of your life again. Thank you to my brothers for inviting me here,‘ she said. Mikhail stepped forward, gently taking Emilia’s hand. ’Emilia, I’ve heard so much about you. Your mother loves you very much. This is all for her.”
With tears in my eyes and my heart full, I turned to the officiant. ‘Let’s continue,’ I said. Mikhail and I exchanged vows, and when the officiant declared us husband and wife, we shared our first kiss as a married couple. The reception was even better. My five children were together and happy.
Emilia raised her glass for a toast and looked at Mikhail and me. ‘To new beginnings, to love and to family. To Mum and Mikhail and to us all being together again.’ The room responded with cheers and the clinking of glasses. I looked around, my heart overflowing with gratitude and a sense of fulfilment. My family was together again, and I was starting a new chapter with everyone I loved by my side.
