The priest tried to regain control of the noisy cathedral crowd.
He raised both of his hands high above the polished marble altar.
Priest: Please show respect for the holy sacrament of holy matrimony.
Stepmother: Hurry it up priest, the reception food is getting cold!
The wealthy guests laughed even louder at the sharp stepmother's comment.
Clara squeezed Julian's fingers while listening to the electronic heart monitor.
The rhythmic sound reminded her that a living soul was still inside him.
She leaned down closer to his face so only he could hear her.
Clara: I don't know what they've done to you, but I won't become one of them.
His long dark eyelashes remained still against his pale skin.
Her stepbrother stepped onto the raised altar with a golden ring box.
He opened the velvet container to show a heavy gold band inside.
Stepbrother: Put the ring on his finger so the inheritance trust opens!
Clara: Stop treating a sick man like a prop for your financial greed.
Stepbrother: He is just a breathing corpse who holds the bank account keys.
Clara felt her blood run hot with intense anger at his words.
She stood up straight and looked her arrogant stepbrother dead in the eyes.
The entire cathedral grew slightly quieter as people noticed her strong stance.
Clara: Julian is a human being who deserves dignity and proper medical care.
Stepmother: Do not ruin this legal settlement for our whole family, Clara!
Clara: You only care about the trust fund payout arriving this afternoon.
She turned back toward Julian and looked down at his forehead cut.
She reached out her soft thumb to gently brush away a stray hair.
Her heart ached for this lonely heir who had no real friends present.
Every person sitting in the pews wanted something from his vast estate.
The priest placed the gold band into Clara's open palm with shaking hands.
Priest: Place the ring, place the ring on the groom's hand now.
Clara: I will slide this ring on his finger out of true respect.
She carefully guided the heavy gold band onto Julian's ring finger.
As the metal slid home, the heart monitor skipped a tiny beat.
Clara paused immediately and stared down at the dark digital screen.
She felt a faint pressure against her palm from his cold hand.