Clara quickly pulled out her smartphone with a tear-streaked face.
Her hands shook so hard she almost dropped the small device.
She tapped the screen, dialing her father in absolute urgency.
Her father was a retired city judge who lived nearby locally.
He had been delayed by an urgent matter at his home.
Clara: Dad, please pick up the phone right now, please...
Julian: Clara, don't bring your father into this mess today!
Clara: Stay away from me right now, Julian, just stay back!
Julian: We can solve this together without making a scene!
Clara: You already made our entire life a public scene!
The phone speaker chimed as the call connected instantly through.
A calm, strong voice answered from the other end clearly.
Father: Clara, sweetheart, I am just pulling into the parking lot.
Clara: Dad, I need you up at the altar right now!
Father: What is wrong? Are you alright, my sweet daughter?
Clara: Everything is ruined, Dad. Please hurry up here fast!
Her father heard the absolute panic screaming in her voice.
The call disconnected as he hung up to rush over immediately.
Julian took another step toward Clara, his eyes wide open.
Julian: Clara, we can still get married and fix this later!
Clara: I am never marrying a man who steals from me!
Evelyn: Smart girl. You should save yourself while you can.
Julian: Shut up, Evelyn! You ruined my life on purpose!
Evelyn: You ruined your own life when you chose to steal.
Heavy footsteps sounded on the stone path behind the guests.
An older man in a fine black suit walked quickly forward.
He had silver hair and a sharp, authoritative posture about him.
The crowd parted instantly to let the tall man through.
Clara let out a loud sob as her father arrived.