Chapter 3 - The Ghost at the Altar
The grand ballroom of the Grand Plaza was a sea of white roses, crystal chandeliers, and whispered conversations. At the end of the aisle stood Damien, his chest puffed out, waiting for his bride to appear.
Suddenly, the heavy oak doors at the back of the chapel swung open.
The guests turned, expecting to see Vivienne in her bridal gown. Instead, the room went dead silent.
I walked in.
My heels clicked softly against the marble floor as I led Leo and Chloe down the center aisle. The whispers started instantly—a low, rushing wave of confusion and shock.
"Is that... Adriana?" one of Damien’s aunts gasped, her glass of champagne trembling in her hand. "But... she looks like a queen! And who are those children?"
Damien’s smile froze. His eyes bulged, his face rapidly draining of color as he stared at me. His gaze shifted from my custom-designed gown to the diamonds on my neck, and finally, to the two children holding my hands.
He took a step forward, his voice cracking as he broke protocol. "Adriana? What... what is this? Whose kids are those?"
I stopped ten feet from the altar, looking up at him with a calm, serene expression.
"They are mine, Damien," I said, my voice echoing clearly through the silent chapel.
"Yours?" Damien stammered, his eyes darting wildly between Leo and Chloe. "But... we were together for five years. You couldn't have... you were barren!"
"No, Damien," I said softly, looking him dead in the eye. "You were just impatient. I was pregnant the night you threw me out. These are your biological children. Leo and Chloe. Though, legally, they only carry my name."
A collective gasp echoed through the ballroom.
Before Damien could speak, the side door opened and Vivienne Sterling walked in, her long lace train flowing behind her. She looked beautiful, but her face was twisted in confusion and anger as she realized the ceremony had ground to a halt.
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"Damien, what is going on?" Vivienne demanded, marching toward the altar. "Who is this woman? And why is she interrupting our wedding?"
"Vivienne, I..." Damien stammered, sweating profusely. "This is... this is just my crazy ex-wife. She’s trying to ruin our day! Security! Get this woman out of here!"
