The high glass ceiling of the crystal ballroom reflected the morning sun perfectly.
Mark stood near the altar, adjusting his black silk bow tie with nervous hands.
He was a successful executive who built a huge real estate business from scratch.
After losing his sweet wife three years ago, he never planned to marry again.
Then Victoria walked into his corporate office as a senior marketing consultant.
She was cold to others, but she showed endless patience around him and his business.
Mark thought she was the steady partner he needed to manage his massive estate.
He believed she cared deeply about his young daughter, ten-year-old Lily.
However, the young girl stayed inside her bedroom whenever Victoria visited their home.
Lily hated the constant sharp fake smiles Victoria gave whenever Mark turned his head.
The organ music began to play softly throughout the overcrowded flower-filled hall.
Guests in expensive designer dresses cheered as Victoria started her slow walk down the aisle.
Suddenly, the heavy oak doors at the back of the chapel slammed open wide.
Lily ran down the white carpet, holding a faded yellow envelope against her chest.
Her small shoes made heavy thumping sounds on the polished marble floor.
Victoria stopped dead in her tracks, her jaw tightening behind her lace veil.
Victoria: What are you doing out of your room?
Lily: Dad, don't marry her!
Mark rushed down the steps of the stage, his heart beating wildly in his chest.
Mark: Lily, what is the meaning of this interruption?
Lily: She lied to you about everything!
Victoria grabbed the young girl's wrist, pulling her toward the back door forcefully.
Victoria: Get out of my wedding, you brat!
Mark: What is going on here?
Mark stepped firmly between Victoria and his young daughter, breaking their hold.
Lily held out the crumpled yellow paper with shaking fingers for everyone to see.
Lily: She paid my mom to disappear!
The entire room gasped loudly as the whisper of shocking gossip spread instantly.
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