David lifted his eyes slowly to look up at the woman standing above them.
Vanessa stood on the high marble stair, looking down with a furious expression.
The sunlight from the large front windows cast a harsh glare around her head.
She gripped her white gown tightly as her face turned completely pale red.
Vanessa: She's lying to you, David! She did it on purpose!
David: She is an eight-year-old child, Vanessa.
Vanessa: She tried to tear my expensive lace veil when I walked past her!
Lily: I didn't touch her veil, Daddy, I was just holding my picture.
David looked down at the floor and saw the crumpled paper lying near his shoe.
He picked up the folded drawing and saw the bright red heart drawn in the center.
It was torn right through the middle where someone had squeezed it hard.
David stood up slowly, keeping his small daughter right behind his back.
His face had turned completely cold, devoid of any warmth or old affection.
David: You tore her drawing and screamed in her face on my wedding morning.
Vanessa: She is spoiled, David, and you let her do whatever she wants!
David: She is my entire world, and you knew that before you came here.
Vanessa: I am supposed to be your wife, not a maid for a child!
Guests were beginning to walk through the heavy front doors into the foyer.
Marcus stood near the entrance with a look of complete shock on his face.
Vanessa's mother rushed out of the side room, waving her hands in panic.
Eleanor: What is going on here? People are starting to arrive outside!
David: Tell everyone to turn their cars around and go back home.
Vanessa: What are you saying right now?
David: The wedding is off, Vanessa!
Vanessa took a quick step down the staircase, her heavy gown rustling loudly.
Vanessa: You can't be serious over a small silly argument with a kid!
David: It is not a silly argument when you attack my child's heart.
Vanessa: We signed the agreement, David! The news is already out in public!
David: I do not care about the public news or any social agreement.
Vanessa reached out her hand to grab David's shoulder in a desperate push.
David stepped back quickly, pushing her arm away with a sharp firm motion.
Vanessa stumbled back against the white marble railing, her veil falling loose.
She gasped loudly and placed her hand against her flushed, reddened cheek.
Vanessa: How dare you treat me like this in front of everyone!
David: Don't you ever come near my daughter again!
David turned his back on her without waiting for another empty word.
He scooped Lily up into his arms and held her tight against his chest.
The crowd in the foyer stood completely silent as the heavy truth hung still.