The grand foyer began filling with wealthy guests from all over town.
Men in dark suits chatted near the display of white flower arrangements.
Women laughed softly, holding crystal glasses under the giant hanging chandelier.
Julian stood near the wide entrance archway, looking pale and completely detached.
His father-in-law approached him again, placing a firm hand on his shoulder.
Arthur: You look like you just saw a ghost, Julian.
Julian: I am just overwhelmed by everything today, sir.
Arthur: Is there something you need to tell me about Clara?
Julian gasped slightly and stepped back toward the marble wall display.
He shook his head fast, refusing to meet Arthur's steady gaze.
Julian: No, everything is perfectly fine, Mr. Vance.
Julian: I should go check on the minister right now.
Julian hurried away, pushing through the small crowd of arriving guests.
Arthur watched him go, feeling his suspicions grow stronger every minute.
He decided to search the library where Elena usually went for quiet.
The heavy double doors of the library were closed completely tight.
Arthur pushed the door open quietly, stepping inside the dimly lit room.
Elena sat on the leather sofa, her back turned toward the doorway.
She was breathing heavily, as if trying to hold back deep sobs.
The zipper of her green dress was halfway down her pale back.
Arthur stopped dead in his tracks, his breath catching in his throat.
The bright light coming through the window revealed dark purple bruise marks.
They stretched across her entire spine in terrible, angry discoloration patches.
Arthur felt a wave of cold shock sweep over his heart instantly.
Arthur: Elena... dear Lord, what happened to you?
Elena spun around quickly, pulling the fabric over her bruised skin.
Her face went pale as tears finally spilled down her cheeks.
Elena: Arthur, please do not look at me right now!
Elena: Please, just leave the room and pretend you saw nothing!
Arthur rushed across the room and dropped to his knees beside her.
His hands trembled as he gently helped her pull the green zipper down.
He stared at the severe marks, his heart breaking into a thousand pieces.
These were fresh injuries, inflicted within the last few hours alone.
Arthur: Who did this to you, Elena?
Arthur: Tell me right now, who hurt you like this?
Elena covered her face with her shaking hands, weeping silently now.
She could not speak, her chest heaving with deep emotional pain.
Arthur stood up slowly, a cold, fierce anger washing over him.
He had spent years building a safe life for his entire family.
To see his own stepdaughter injured like this crushed his very spirit.
He reached down and gently helped Elena stand up from the sofa.
Arthur: You are coming with me into the main foyer right now.
Elena: No, Arthur, it will ruin everything for everyone!
Arthur: Justice comes first in this house, no matter what happens.
He held her hand firmly, walking her out toward the quiet hallway.
The sound of happy music echoed from the grand foyer downstairs.
Guests were gathering around the main staircase, waiting for the ceremony.
Arthur led Elena down the hall, his face set in hard stone.
He unzipped the green dress down further to show the marks clearly.
Elena tried to pull back, but Arthur kept his grip solid and steady.
He walked her right to the top of the grand marble staircase.
The guests below turned their heads, watching the scene unfold above them.
A sudden hush fell over the entire room as people noticed Elena.
The sight of the severe bruises caused quiet shocks throughout the crowd.
Julian stood near the bottom step, looking up with wide, terrified eyes.
Clara stepped out from the side room, wearing her white wedding veil.
She saw the crowd staring up at Elena and stopped instantly in her tracks.
Her face twisted into anger as she realized what was happening.
Clara: What is the meaning of this ridiculous spectacle, Dad?
Clara: You are ruining my wedding day in front of everyone!
Arthur looked down at his daughter with absolute disgust and fury.