The grand ballroom was bathed in bright daylight pouring through the floor-to-ceiling windows. Two hundred high-society guests in black-tie attire sat in gold chairs, sipping champagne under the crystal chandeliers. Above the altar area, framed by white lilies, hung a massive American flag.
I stepped onto the polished marble floor, my blue silk gown sweeping against the stone. My hands were cold, but my tears had dried into a mask of pure, bitter composure.
Arthur: Ah, Clara! There you are, my love.
Arthur walked up from the side corridor, looking immaculate in his black tuxedo. His silver hair was combed back neatly, his gold watch gleaming under the lights. He smiled at me with the easy, arrogant charm he had used for thirty years.
Clara: Hello, Arthur. You look very pleased with yourself today.
Arthur: It is a big day for the Sterling name, my dear! My son is getting married, and our corporate expansion is secured.
Clara: You were in the private study for a long time.
Arthur: Just reviewing some final estate paperwork before the vows. A billionaire's work is never done, even on a wedding day.
He reached out to touch my hand, but I pulled my fingers away, smoothing the front of my dress.
Clara: Did Victoria help you with the paperwork?
Arthur: She brought the land development permits for the New York project. She is a very smart young woman. Julian is lucky to have her.
Clara: She certainly seems very dedicated to you, Arthur.
Arthur narrowed his eyes slightly, a flicker of suspicion crossing his face before he smoothed his lapels with a quiet chuckle.
Arthur: Dedicated to the family, Clara. That is what matters in high society.
Clara: Do you love her, Arthur?
Arthur: What kind of ridiculous question is that? She is marrying my son in five minutes!
Clara: You kissed her five minutes ago in the study.
Arthur froze. The color drained from his cheeks as he stared at me, his mouth opening slightly before he caught himself and glared at me with sudden, sharp anger.
Arthur: You were spying on me through the study door?
Clara: I walked by to see if you needed your medicine. I didn't realize you were taking private comfort from your stepdaughter-to-be.
Arthur: Keep your voice down! Do you want the entire board of directors to hear you?!
Clara: You don't care that you betrayed me, Arthur. You only care if the board hears about it.
Arthur: You signed a prenuptial agreement thirty years ago, Clara! If you make a public scene at this wedding, I will invoke the morality clause and throw you out on the street with five thousand dollars!
Clara: You really think money is the only thing holding me to you?
Arthur: Money is the only thing holding anything together in this world, Clara! Now put a smile on your face and take your seat in the front row before I have security escort you out!
He turned his back on me, marching toward the front aisle to take his place beside the minister. I looked at his rigid shoulders, feeling a cold, quiet peace settle over my heart. Julian was right about one thing: my husband was a monster who deserved everything coming to him.