The bright summer sun shone brightly over the lush green lawn of the estate.
White chairs sat in neat rows under the clear blue American sky.
Clara stood near the altar, smoothing the silk of her white dress.
She placed a gentle hand over her round belly with a warm smile.
Today was supposed to be the happiest day of her entire life.
Julian stood beside her, looking handsome in his dark charcoal suit.
He smiled back at her, but his eyes seemed strangely nervous today.
The organ player began to play a soft, beautiful melody for everyone.
Guests whispered happily to each other while taking their outdoor seats.
Everything felt completely perfect until the heavy wooden gates opened wide.
A woman dressed in a dark navy silk gown walked into view.
Her heels clicked loudly against the stone path as she marched forward.
Clara turned her head and felt her warm smile vanish completely away.
The woman carried a thick envelope tucked tightly beneath her arm.
Julian gasped quietly under his breath and took a step backward.
His face turned pale as white paper in the strong daylight.
Clara: Who invited her to our private wedding today?
Julian: I didn't think she would actually show up here.
Clara: Do you know who that woman is, Julian?
Julian: She is my stepmother, Evelyn, but she was banned.
Evelyn walked right up the center aisle without stopping for anyone.
The wedding guests started to whisper loudly in complete confusion.
Evelyn raised her chin high and glared straight at the couple.
She stopped right in front of Clara with a cold expression.
Evelyn: This marriage cannot happen today, and you know why.
Clara: Get away from us right now before I call security!
Evelyn: You don't know the truth about the man beside you.
Clara felt a sharp spike of worry deep inside her heart.
She looked up at Julian, expecting him to defend their love.
Instead, Julian kept his mouth closed and stared at the floor.
Evelyn pulled a sheet of official paper out of her envelope.
She held it up high for the nearest guests to see clear.
Evelyn: Julian signed away his trust fund rights three weeks ago!
Julian: Evelyn, stop talking about my private business right now!
Evelyn: The mansion, the estate, the money, it is all gone!
Clara took a step back as her breath caught in her throat.
She could hear the crowd gasp together in sudden surprise.
Her dream wedding was starting to turn into a complete nightmare.