The church was dead silent except for the heavy rain beating against the stained-glass windows. I unfolded the lined paper. The handwriting was ragged, shaky, and faint, but I recognized those loops and curves instantly. It was Michael's handwriting.
Clara: 'My dearest Clara... if you are reading this, I am likely gone. David didn't just take over my business when I vanished. He set a trap. He staged the accident on the highway five years ago...'
I stopped, choking on my own tears as horror surged through my chest. Guests in the front pews leaned forward, whispering in absolute shock.
David: That's forgery! It's a complete fake! Clara, you can't believe this trash!
Clara: '...He kept me locked in a basement facility under a fake identity, using a corrupt trust fund administrator to drain my estate and life insurance. He threatened to hurt you if I tried to escape. My heart is failing now, but a kind nurse named Sarah helped me reach my secret daughter, Lily, whom I had before we met...'
Lily: He told me to bring it to you today, lady. He said today was the day David was going to take the final inheritance money from the bank.
Clara: '...Do not let him take the family business or the estate, Clara. Call the state police. The records are hidden under the floorboards in room 4 at the mill. I love you forever. Michael.'
My breath hitched in my throat. I looked up from the paper, my entire body shaking with rage and heartbreak. The man I was about to marry, the man who had comforted me for three years while I mourned Michael, was the monster who had destroyed my life.
Clara: You monster... you kept him locked away while I cried every night?
David: Clara, listen to me! Michael was unstable! He was ruined! I did it to protect you and the company! He was going to bankrupt everything!
Clara: You lied to me for five whole years! You held my hand at his memorial service!
David: It was for us! For our future! The trust fund, the estate, the mortgage on the house—it was all going to be ours today once the marriage certificate was signed!
Pastor: Lord have mercy... David, is this true?
David: Mind your own business, old man! Clara, give me those papers right now!
David made a desperate grab for the envelope, his polite facade completely shattered. But before he could reach me, I lifted my heavy flower bouquet and slammed it with all my strength across his face. Roses and baby's breath exploded into the air as David stumbled back, clutching his nose.
Clara: THE WEDDING IS OFF! YOU MONSTER! CALL 911 RIGHT NOW!
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