The Sterling Manor was filled with excitement as guests gathered for what everyone believed would be the wedding of the year.
Elegant flowers lined the entrance.
Crystal chandeliers illuminated the grand ballroom.
Family members hurried through the halls making final preparations.
Emily Lawson walked toward the ballroom carrying a folder of wedding documents.
She smiled as she reached the large double doors.
But the moment she pushed them open...
Her smile disappeared.
Standing beneath the magnificent chandelier was the bride.
Locked in an intimate embrace with an older man.
They shared a kiss.
Emily stood frozen.
"Oh my God..."
The words escaped her before she realized she had spoken.
She quickly stepped backward into the hallway.
Her hands trembled as she covered her mouth.
Behind her stood Ethan Sterling, dressed in a tailored gray suit.
He looked toward the ballroom without surprise.
Emily stared at him in disbelief.
"Your father is in there!"
She expected him to rush inside immediately.
Instead...
Ethan remained perfectly calm.
He quietly answered,
"I know."
The hallway suddenly felt colder.
Emily couldn't believe what she had heard.
If he already knew...
Why hadn't he stopped the wedding?