Chapter 19%
The grand wedding hall was a masterpiece of luxury. Crystal chandeliers bathed the quests in golden light, white and gold floral arrangements lined the aisle, and an orchestra played softly in the background. Every detail screamed wealth and power. It was a perfect setting for the spectacle that was about to unfold %
I sat in my designated seat near the front with a serene smile on my face. It was as if I were merely here to enjoy the occasion. Bu the truth was, my heartbeat thrummed in anticipation. Meanwhile, Jared, who was seated beside me, leaned over slightly. “Ready for the show?” he whispered
I tilted my head. My eyes were sparkling with mischief. “Oh, I wouldn’t miss it for the world.“%
At the altar, Jairus stood stiffly in a finely tailored suit. And I couldn’t even describe the look on his face. Whether it was nerves, regret, or simple resignation, I couldn’t tell. Katie, on the other hand, glowed with manufactured happiness. Her gown was extravagant. It was a shimmering piece of art designed to make everyone believe she had won. But no matter how pristine she looked on the outside, I knew the truth would soon stain her perfect day.%
The ceremony began. The priest recited the vows. Guests sat in quiet reverence, watching as the moment everyone had been waiting for approached.%
“If anyone here has any reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace“% A weighted silence settled over the hall
Then, just as the priest was about to move forward, a voice cut through the tension.%
“Actually, I do.“%
A collective gasp rippled through the crowd as heads turned to the back of the hall. Jared stood tall with his commanding presence as he strode forward with confident ease. But he wasn’t alone.%
Behind him, stepping out from the shadows, was a man most of the guests didn’t recognize. But of course, Katie did.%
Because it was Angelo De Luca.
Her face went white. All color drained from her expression. “What… what is this?” she stammered as she gripped Jairus’s arm as if he could shield her from what was coming.
Jared smirked, “Just a little surprise. Thought the groom might like to meet the man who’s been keeping his bride warm all these years.”
Murmurs exploded across the room, Jairus turned. Confusion and growing anger twisted his features. “What the hell is this?“% Katie forced a nervous laugh. “I don’t know him! I swear, I don’t–“%
“You don’t?” I mused as I stood from my seat. “That’s odd. Because I do. And so does Jared. And so would anyone who has seen these.“%
I reached into my bag and pulled out a thick envelope. With a flick of my wrist, I tossed it onto the table beside Jairus. The photos spilled out across the pristine white cloth. They were pictures of Katie and Angelo in a passionate embrace, sneaking off into hotels, and sharing intimate dinners. A damning timeline of her lies.
The guests gasped again. Whispers immediately turned into an outright buzz of speculation and horror.%
Jairus’s jaw tightened as he reached down. He then picked up one of the photos with trembling fingers. His face darkened as realization dawned. “Katic… what is this?”
“It’s not what it looks like!” she shrieked, I could see the desperation breaking through her polished exterior. “Someone must have set me up!”
“Set you up?” Jared chuckled darkly. “Sweetheart, the only one who set you up was yourself.“%
Suddenly, a loud scrape echoed through the hall as Jairus shoved his chair back. The legs of it screeched against the floor. His broad frame loomed over the scene as he stalked forward with his eyes locked onto Angelo like a predator that had finally found its prey.%
In one swift motion, Jairus grabbed Angelo by the throat and slammed him against the nearest column. The crowd gasped in shock. “Who the hell are you?!” Jairus growled as his fingers tightened around Angelo’s throat.
Angelo coughed and gasped for air before croaking out the words that would shatter what little illusion remained.
“I’m the father… of the child Katie is carrying.“%
