The party had started with laughter and fine food, but the mood shifted the moment Sarah retreated to the study with Julian. Arthur was speaking with an old friend near the buffet table when he heard a muffled gasp from behind the closed wooden door. At first, he thought it was just a minor argument over wedding plans or the details of the prenuptial agreement they had discussed earlier that week. However, when Sarah walked out into the hall a few minutes later, her face was turned away from the crowd, and her head was bowed low. Arthur immediately abandoned his conversation and walked toward her, noticing how she winced when her arm brushed against the hallway wall.
Arthur: Sarah, sweetheart, look at me right now.
Sarah: Dad, it's fine, please just let it go for today.
Arthur: That is not fine, Sarah. Who did this to you?
Sarah: Please... don't let him near me ever again!
The father felt a wave of icy fury wash over his chest as he looked closer at his daughter's pale face. Julian stepped out from the study right behind her, his step steady and full of arrogant pride. He looked at the gathered relatives with absolute indifference, ignoring the heavy silence that fell over the large room. Arthur stepped in front of Sarah, shielding her behind his broad frame, his fists balling tightly at his sides. The grand USA flag painting hanging high on the wall seemed to loom over the entire scene as the situation quickly reached its breaking point.
Julian: She brought this on herself by talking back about the money.
Arthur: You touch her again and you won't walk out of here.
Julian: She should have stayed in her place, old man.
Arthur did not hesitate for another second. He lunged forward across the polished floor, his heavy leather shoes striking the hardwood with thunderous thuds. Before Julian could raise his hands to defend himself, Arthur delivered a powerful shove straight to the young man's chest. The force of the impact knocked Julian off balance, sending him crashing backward onto the floor in front of fifty stunned guests. Plates rattled on the dining tables, and several women gasped in shock as the arrogant groom landed hard on his back, his velvet suit coated in dust.