Mark adjusted the collar of his black tuxedo and took a very deep breath.
The sunlight poured through the high stained glass windows of the grand chapel.
Every flower arrangement had been imported to match the expensive theme of the wedding.
His bride, Alyssa, beamed brightly while holding her custom bouquet of white roses.
They were only seconds away from exchanging their final lifetime vows before the minister.
Alyssa reached out her slender hand so Mark could slide the diamond band on.
The harp player continued playing a soft, romantic melody for the crowded room.
Suddenly, the heavy wooden doors at the back of the chapel slammed open.
A loud gasp echoed through the rows of well-dressed corporate guests and family.
Small bare feet slapped against the polished golden floor of the long aisle.
A tiny three-year-old girl was shuffling forward as fast as her legs could carry her.
Her beige dress was stained with dirt and torn along the bottom hemline.
In her small arms, she clutched a four-month-old infant wrapped in a faded blanket.
Tears were cutting clear lines down her smudged, pale little cheeks as she walked.
Mark dropped the wedding ring, watching it bounce harmlessly across the sleek floor.
Mark: Lily?
Alyssa: Mark, who is this filthy little child ruining our special moment?
Lily: Daddy, don't marry her!
Mark: Baby girl, what are you doing here all by yourself?
Mark dropped straight to his knees, ignoring the dirt on his pants.
He pulled Lily and the quiet baby boy into a tight, desperate embrace.
The infant stirred softly, chewing on the corner of his thin blue blanket.
Alyssa: This is completely unacceptable for a high-class wedding event!
Mark: Alyssa, shut your mouth for one single second and let me look at them!
Lily: The mean man tossed our bags outside on the dirty sidewalk, Daddy.
Mark: What mean man are you talking about, sweetheart?
Lily: Mommy's landlord said you didn't pay the rent for our house anymore.
Mark felt a cold knot instantly form in the pit of his stomach.
He had sent full child support checks every month without missing a beat.
His ex-wife was supposed to be living comfortably in their peaceful suburban home.
Mark: Where is your mother right now, Lily?
Lily: She is sleeping on the park bench outside because her head hurt real bad.
Alyssa stepped back, pulling her immaculate lace dress away from the dirty kids.
Alyssa: Someone call security and have these street urchins removed immediately!
Mark: If you touch my kids, this wedding is officially over right now!