Chapter 2 — The Wedding That Never Happened
Chapter 2 — The Wedding That Never Happened
Ryan looked from my face to Ellie's trembling hands.
He didn't ask another question.
He simply nodded.
"What do you need?"
"Everyone."
"What?"
"I want everyone to hear this."
The music stopped.
Nearly two hundred guests turned toward the aisle.
The officiant smiled politely.
"I believe our groom has something to say."
I walked forward carrying Ellie in my arms.
She buried her face against my shoulder.
Vanessa stood beneath the arch in her custom ivory gown, smiling at first.
Then she noticed my expression.
Her smile disappeared.
"Daniel?"
I stopped halfway down the aisle.
"I'm sorry."
A nervous laugh spread through the crowd.
Vanessa forced a smile.
"You're making everyone nervous."
I looked at her.
"Did you lock my daughter in the downstairs bathroom?"
The entire garden went silent.
Vanessa blinked.
"What?"
"I asked you a question."
She laughed again.
"Daniel, this isn't funny."
"Neither is terrifying an eight-year-old."
Guests exchanged confused glances.
My mother slowly stood.
"What happened?"
Ellie clung tighter to me.
Vanessa quickly recovered.
"She misunderstood."
I looked down at Ellie.
"Sweetheart."
"You don't have to be afraid."
"Tell me exactly what happened."
Ellie whispered into my shoulder.
"You promised."
"I know."
"So... I told her."
My heart broke.
"I told Miss Vanessa that Daddy always keeps his promises."
The guests leaned closer.
Ellie continued.
"She smiled."
"And said..."
Her tiny voice cracked.
May you like
"...after today, she would be your real family."
Vanessa's face turned pale.
