The heavy oak double doors slammed shut behind the guards.
An incredible silence washed over the giant banquet hall again.
Mark stood alone near the head table, breathing very heavily.
His father placed a gentle hand on Mark's strong shoulder.
Father: You are free from that dangerous trap now, son.
Mark: I cannot believe I was so blind for months.
Father: Wicked people are very good at hiding their true faces.
Mark walked over to where Sarah and little Lily stood.
He bent down on one knee in front of young Lily.
He looked at his little cousin with deep, genuine gratitude.
Mark: Thank you for telling the truth tonight, brave little girl.
Lily: You are welcome, Cousin Mark! Lies are bad for people.
Mark: You saved me from making the biggest mistake ever.
Mark smiled for the first time on this long dramatic night.
He stood up and hugged his cousin Sarah very tightly.
Sarah: I am so sorry you had to go through this.
Mark: I am just glad the dark truth came out early.
The family lawyer walked up to Mark with a leather folder.
Lawyer: We will file the divorce annulment papers tomorrow morning early.
Lawyer: She will not get a single penny from your estate.
Mark: Make sure she returns every gift I ever bought her.
Lawyer: I will handle everything with full legal authority, sir.
Mark looked around at all his supportive family members now.
They came up one by one to offer warm hugs and comfort.
He knew the betrayal hurt deep inside his broken heart.
But he also knew he was finally free from deceit.