Mark dropped to his knees right beside the frightened little girl on the cold floor.
He carefully helped her sit up while checking to make sure the baby was unhurt.
Mark: Are you okay, little one?
Girl: Please don't be mad at us, mister.
Mark looked closely at the tiny silver pendant resting in her palm.
He opened the locket gently with his shaking thumb.
Inside was an old photo of himself alongside his former partner who had vanished years ago.
Mark felt his entire heart drop into his stomach as realization washed over him.
Mark: Where did you get this photo?
Girl: My mommy gave it to me before she got very sick.
Girl: She said my daddy was a good man named Mark.
Tears welled up in Mark's eyes as he stared into the child's face.
He noticed her natural freckles and the exact shape of his own eyes.
He looked at the little baby fast asleep in her small arms.
The crowd was completely silent as everyone waited to see what would happen next.
Mark stood up slowly while holding both children close to his chest.
His face turned red with absolute fury as he turned toward Victoria.
Mark: These are my children!
Victoria: Mark, listen to me, they are lying!
Mark: The wedding is off right now!
Victoria took a quick step back as the crowd began to whisper loudly.
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