Chapter 2 - The Silent Altar
The silence that followed Lily’s words was deafening. The three hundred wealthy guests stood frozen, their eyes moving from the mud-stained teenager to the trembling bride sitting on the velvet chair. Ethan did not let go of Claire’s wrist. His grip remained firm, his piercing blue eyes locked onto his bride’s face with a mixture of burning rage and profound betrayal.
“Answer her, Claire,” Ethan said, his deep voice carrying a cold, commanding authority that sent a shiver through the room. “Where did you get this bracelet, and why does this child have a matching piece?”
Claire opened her mouth, but no sound came out. Her bright-red lips trembled as she looked desperately toward her father, a wealthy senator sitting in the front row. Senator Montgomery immediately stood up, adjusting his suit jacket as he stepped toward the altar, his face red with indignation as he demanded that security clear the hall and throw the intruder out.
May you like
“ Touch her, and I’ll have every security guard in this building arrested,” Ethan warned, without looking away from Claire. He dropped her hand, stepping back to stand in front of Lily and the baby, placing his broad shoulders between the teenager and the approaching security team.
Lily held the baby tighter, her small body shivering from the cold rain and adrenaline. She looked at Ethan, her large blue eyes filling with fresh tears as she whispered that she had walked three miles through the storm to reach the mansion before the vows were exchanged. She wasn't looking for money; she was looking for justice for a sister who couldn't speak for herself.
