Mark: You tried to frame Clara... and you used my daughter to do it?
Evelyn: Mark, listen to me, I did it for us! For the family legacy! She’s nobody! She works as a high school teacher, she has no money, no status—
Mark: She loved Lily! She spent hours every night helping her read! What did you ever do for her?!
Evelyn: She’s after the family money, Mark! Can't you see that?!
Mark: The only person after money in this room is you! Get out.
Evelyn: Mark, don't do this—
Mark: GET OUT OF MY HOUSE BEFORE I HAVE THE SHERIFF ARREST YOU FOR CHILD ABUSE AND TRESPASSING!
Evelyn stumbled backward, terrified by the raw hatred in her brother’s voice. She looked around the room, hoping for support from the bridesmaid, but found only glares of disgust. Snatching her handbag, she turned on her heel and sprinted down the hallway, her high heels clicking loudly on the hardwood floor.
The room fell dead silent. Mark turned back to Clara, his eyes wide with horror as he looked down at his own hands, then at the ring he was holding, and finally at Clara’s red, bruised wrist.
Mark: Clara... oh God, Clara... I... I didn't know...
Clara: You didn't ask, Mark.
Mark: I was so scared for Lily, I lost my mind... I was so stressed about the custody threats she’s been sending—
Clara: You didn't ask me what happened. You grabbed me. You screamed at me. You chose to believe the worst of me without giving me three seconds to speak.
Mark: I’m sorry. I swear to you, I’ll spend the rest of my life making this up to you. Please, take the ring back. We can still start the ceremony.
Mark dropped to one knee, lifting the diamond ring toward her, tears finally spilling over his eyelids. But Clara took a step backward, putting distance between them.
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