Chapter 2 - The Arrival
Eleanor released the fabric with a dismissive scoff.
She smoothed the front of her pristine blue dress as if wiping away dirt.
"Humiliated?" Eleanor laughed, a sharp, brittle sound.
"You are a nobody with an empty bank account."
"You should be thanking me on your knees for allowing this circus to proceed."
Chloe gently smoothed out the wrinkled lace where Eleanor had grabbed her.
She didn't look angry.
She looked completely detached.
Liam finally stepped between them, his hands raised in a placating gesture.
"Chloe, just apologize and end this," Liam pleaded.
Chloe slowly turned her gaze to the man she was supposed to marry.
"Apologize?" Chloe asked quietly.
"For what exactly, Liam?"
"For upsetting my mother on our wedding day," he hissed through clenched teeth.
"Just do it so we can sign the marriage license and get this over with."
It was the final nail in the coffin of their relationship.
He had always chosen Eleanor's comfort over Chloe's dignity.
Every time it mattered, he shrank into his mother's shadow.
Chloe took a deep, steadying breath.
Before she could respond, the heavy oak doors at the back of the ballroom swung open.
A distinguished older man in a tailored black suit walked in.
He carried a premium leather folder stamped with a golden crest.
The whispering among the guests abruptly stopped.
The silence in the room became absolute.
Eleanor turned, her eyes narrowing at the intruder.
"Who are you?" Eleanor demanded loudly.
"This is a private, closed event, and you were not invited."
The man ignored her entirely.
He walked with quiet authority straight toward Chloe.
He bypassed Liam as if the groom were merely a piece of furniture.
Stopping in front of the bride, he offered a deep, respectful nod.
"Madam," the official said smoothly.
"The final paperwork has been processed."
He held out the heavy leather folder with both hands.
Chloe reached out and took it gracefully.
The gold crest caught the light of the crystal chandelier above them.
It was the crest of the Mason family.
Eleanor's own family crest.
"What is the meaning of this?" Eleanor snapped, her voice trembling with sudden uncertainty.
"Liam, tell security to remove this man immediately."
Liam opened his mouth to speak, but Chloe raised a single hand.
The simple gesture commanded absolute authority.
May you like
Nobody moved.
Chloe slowly unclasped the leather folder.
