The Texas sun beat down on the outdoor wedding venue, illuminating the rows of white chairs, bright green hedges, and the large USA flag hanging near the altar[cite: 1]. Red-haired Chloe stood beside her groom, Mark, clutching her ivory silk wedding dress[cite: 1]. Her pregnant belly showed prominently beneath the smooth fabric, but the joyous ceremony was suddenly shattered when Mark's stepmother, Victoria, stepped forward in her navy blue dress[cite: 1]. With a sharp sneer, Victoria grabbed the delicate silk of Chloe's gown and ripped it open directly over her stomach[cite: 1].
Chloe: No, please stop! What are you doing?![cite: 1]
Victoria: You don't deserve to wear white on this altar! You tricked my stepson into this marriage with that belly!
Chloe: Mark! Do something! Help me![cite: 1]
Mark: Victoria, please... not here in front of everyone...
Victoria: Shut up, Mark! This trailer-park trash is trying to slide her way into the Sterling family estate, and I'm putting an end to it today!
Gasps erupted across the courtyard as wedding guests stood up from their seats in complete shock. Chloe covered her torn dress with trembling hands, tears spilling over her flushed cheeks as she looked up at the man who had promised to love her forever[cite: 1]. Mark stood frozen in his charcoal grey suit, looking at the ground with a guilty, panicked expression. He didn't step between them. He didn't cover his pregnant bride. He just stood there and let his stepmother destroy her dignity[cite: 1].
Chloe: How could you let this happen?
Mark: Chloe, calm down... she's just upset about the prenuptial agreement...
Chloe: You stood there and watched them destroy our family! You coward!
Chloe pulled her smartphone from her satin clutch with shaking, tear-stained fingers, dialing the only person in the world who could protect her. She pressed the phone to her ear, heavy sobs wracking her swollen frame as the call connected.
Chloe: Please answer me... Dad, please pick up! They're hurting me!