The bright Texas sun poured through the high windows of the Dallas luxury mansion, reflecting off polished wood paneling and pristine white walls. A framed American flag hung decoratively in the hallway near the grand ballroom entrance, where dozens of wealthy wedding guests were waiting for the ceremony to start.
Eleanor: Oh my God! Oh my God, no!
Inside a small side room, seventy-two-year-old Eleanor stood peeking through a cracked doorway, her eyes wide with terror. Wearing an elegant green dress, a matching fascinator hat, and white lace gloves, she wiped hysterically at the tears ruining her makeup.
Eleanor: This can't be happening. Not today. Not on his wedding day!
She grabbed her chest, gasping for breath as she looked down at the open velvet box sitting on the table behind her. The glittering diamond necklace inside didn't belong to the bride, and the accompanying legal documents bore a seal that made her blood run ice cold.
Eleanor: I have to stop him before he walks down that aisle!
Slamming the door open, Eleanor rushed frantically into the brightly lit hallway. Her heels clicked rapidly against the marble carpet runner as she sprinted under the crystal chandeliers, her green dress fluttering around her ankles.
Eleanor: Mark! Mark, stop!
At the end of the corridor stood her grandson, Mark, looking handsome in a tailored grey wedding suit with a fresh white rose boutonniere pinned to his lapel. He turned around in confusion as his grandmother threw herself against him, grabbing his arms with desperate strength.
Mark: Grandmother? What’s wrong? Why are you crying?
Eleanor: Mark, you can't marry her! She’s not who she says she is!
Mark: What are you talking about? Victoria is in the dressing room getting her veil fitted.
Eleanor: She isn't a wealthy heiress, Mark! I found her real identification in the office, and she is working with the man who ruined your father!
Mark stared at his grandmother, his smile instantly fading as the music from the ballroom echoed down the hall, signaling that the ceremony was about to begin.