CHAPTER 1 — THE CAKE THAT SHATTERED THE VOWS
CHAPTER 1 — THE CAKE THAT SHATTERED THE VOWS
The ballroom of the Astor Grand shimmered with wedding perfection—white roses cascading from crystal arches, champagne towers glowing under warm golden light, and a live quartet playing soft, romantic notes that floated through a crowd of smiling guests.
At the center stood Claire Whitmore, radiant in silk ivory, her hand resting lightly on the arm of her groom, Adrian Vale.
He looked perfect.
Too perfect.
And beside him, her Maid of Honor, Madison Cole, laughed a little too comfortably at everything he said.
The wedding cake—four tiers of vanilla and gold-leaf elegance—was being wheeled forward.
The crowd applauded.
“Cut the cake!” someone cheered.
Claire picked up the silver knife.
Adrian placed his hand over hers.
Madison smiled behind them.
And then—
A scream shattered the room.
“DON’T EAT IT!”
A waitress burst through the crowd, breathless, pale, trembling violently as she pushed past shocked guests.
Security moved instantly.
But she wasn’t looking at them.
She was looking at Claire.
“Please,” she gasped. “Step away from the cake.”
Claire froze.
Adrian’s smile tightened. “This is insane—remove her.”
But the waitress slammed her phone onto the table.
A blurry image filled the screen.
Adrian—standing alone in a dim kitchen.
May you like
Pouring something dark into the cake mixture.
The room went silent.
