The crystal chandeliers in the private dining room hummed under the dim golden lights of the estate.
Elena smoothed down the lace of her white silk dress, taking a steadying breath before stepping toward the reserved terrace.
Elena: Julian, why did your mother ask the banquet staff to leave early?
Julian: Don’t stress out, Elena. It’s just family business before tomorrow.
Elena: We are twelve hours away from walking down the aisle.
Julian shifted his weight, refusing to meet her gaze as his mother, Victoria Sterling, raised a thin crystal glass.
Victoria: Sit down, Elena. A Sterling wedding does not occur on blind faith alone.
Elena: I already signed the standard agreement three weeks ago.
Victoria: That was before your private clinic visits were brought to my attention.
Victoria tapped her manicured nails on a thick manila folder resting squarely in front of Elena's empty plate.
Elena: You had someone follow me to my doctor?
Julian: Mother just wanted to be certain, Elena. With the family trust fund at stake, we can't afford surprises.
Elena: You knew about this, Julian?
Julian: It makes sense for everyone. Just look at the terms.
Elena pulled the papers from the sleeve, her eyes scanning down the crisp black ink until her breath caught hard in her throat.
Elena: Section nine. What is this?
Victoria: It is a parental waiver. Any child born under our roof belongs to the Sterling estate trust.
Elena: You want me to surrender custody of my unborn child before the wedding even happens?
Victoria: You walk away with five million dollars if a divorce occurs, but the heir remains with us. Sign it, or tomorrow is canceled.
Elena looked from the cruel, composed smile of the matriarch to the bowed head of the man she thought loved her, her fingers curling tight around the pen.
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