Arthur stood behind Clara as the music played softly in the background. The wedding coordinator was calling for everyone to take their seats, but Arthur paid no attention to the schedule. He raised his hand and reached for the silver zipper on the back of Clara's dark green silk dress. Clara froze, her eyes opening wide in absolute panic as she realized what he was about to do.
Clara: Uncle Arthur, please stop! Everyone is watching us!
Arthur: Let them watch, Clara. I need to see what you are hiding from me.
With a firm, decisive motion, Arthur lowered the metal zipper down her back. The fabric pulled away, exposing her fair skin to the bright natural daylight streaming through the floor-to-ceiling windows. A collective, horrifying gasp echoed across the entire ballroom as dozens of guests turned their heads and stared in absolute shock.
Clara's back was covered in severe, dark purple bruises, deep red scratches, and swollen welts that crisscrossed her entire spine. The marks were fresh, inflamed, and sickening to look at. People in the crowd covered their mouths with their hands, and several women turned their faces away in tears. The illusion of a perfect, peaceful wealthy family vanished in a single second.
Arthur's hands trembled as he stared at the horrible injuries on his niece's back. The blood drained completely from his face, replaced by a wave of furious anger that made his jaw lock tight. He slowly zipped the dress back up to protect her dignity, placing his broad hands on her shoulders to give her strength. Then he turned his gaze toward the front of the room where Brandon and Chloe were standing.
Arthur: Who did this to you, Clara? Give me a name right now!
Clara: Uncle, please... it will destroy everything.
Arthur: It is already destroyed! Who did this to my girl?
Clara did not say a word, but her tear-filled eyes slowly drifted toward Chloe. Chloe was standing near the altar, holding her bouquet of white roses, her face suddenly turning pale as the entire room realized who the monster was.