Richard reached into his own breast pocket and pulled out a clean sealed white envelope with gold trim.
He threw the envelope directly at Brenda's feet on the trampled green lawn near the chairs.
Richard: Read that before you speak another word about money!
Brenda frowned in confusion, bending down slowly to pick up the heavy paper envelope from the grass.
She pulled out the multi-page legal document and began scanning the bold printed text on top.
Her face turned completely pale as her eyes widened in sudden realization and immense shock.
Brenda: This cannot be real legal documentation!
Richard: It is fully binding and signed by your own family attorney!
It turned out that Mark's late father had set up a massive trust fund years ago for his future grandchildren.
The legal conditions stated clearly that any control Brenda had over the family estate expired upon Mark's marriage.
Furthermore, if Mark got married, all liquid assets transferred immediately to his wedded wife and unborn child.
Brenda had been trying desperately to stop the wedding to keep full control of the family wealth for herself.
Sarah: You knew about this whole agreement, Brenda?
Brenda: That old fool had no right to give away my money!
Mark looked at his mother in utter disbelief as the terrible truth finally broke through his confusion.
Mark: You were lying to me this whole time about protecting my future?
Brenda: I was doing what was best for our household!
Mark: You were only thinking about your own selfish greed!
Sarah took a deep breath, feeling the baby kick gently inside her belly under the warm jacket.
She looked at Mark with total clarity, realizing that the man she thought she loved was completely blind.
He had let his mother manipulate him and abuse his pregnant wife without ever checking the facts himself.
Sarah: The wedding is completely off, Mark!
Mark: Please Sarah, do not do this to us now!
Sarah: You failed me when I needed you most!
The guests began talking excited chatter among themselves as Sarah turned her back on the broken altar.
Brenda stood frozen in utter defeat, holding the white papers as her grand plan fell apart instantly.