Chapter 4 - The Altar Of Deception
The cathedral doors swung open to the resounding, majestic chords of the organ playing Wagner’s Bridal Chorus. Five hundred guests rose in unison, turning their gaze toward the aisle. Camera flashes from accredited society press illuminated the dramatic floral arches that framed the path toward the altar.
At the end of the aisle stood Ethan Drake, looking immaculate in his custom Tom Ford tuxedo. His father, Richard Drake, stood beside the front pew, beaming with aristocratic pride. And sitting in the prestigious third row, wearing a provocative lavender silk dress that broke every rule of wedding guest etiquette, was Brooke Sinclair. She wore a smug, knowing smile, her eyes glittering as if she were the real victor claiming the prize.
I took a deep, steady breath and began my walk. I walked alone, holding my bouquet with steady hands, radiating an aura of untouchable regal elegance. Ethan watched me approach, his smile radiating triumphant arrogance. He believed he had won. He believed that within minutes, his grandfather’s billions would fall under his absolute control.
As I reached the marble steps of the altar, Ethan extended his hand to assist me. I deliberately ignored his outstretched fingers, gathering my gown smoothly and stepping up to face the officiant, Bishop Harrington.
Ethan blinked in momentary surprise at the slight, but quickly recovered his polished composure. “You look breathtaking, Ava,” he whispered under his breath.
“Enjoy the view, Ethan,” I murmured without smiling. “It’s the last time you’ll ever stand this close to me.”
The ceremony commenced with traditional solemnity. Bishop Harrington’s voice resonated through the vaulted nave, reciting the timeless passages regarding love, honor, and unbroken fidelity. Through the front row, I could see Julian Vance sitting beside his formidable grandmother, Lady Cordelia Vance. Julian was watching me, his silver-grey eyes intense and unwavering. A subtle nod from him confirmed everything: the hotel’s multimedia system and audio feed were completely synchronized to my signal.
Then came the inevitable moment that every wedding ceremony includes as mere formality.
Bishop Harrington adjusted his spectacles and looked out over the assembled crowd. “If anyone here present knows of any lawful impediment why these two should not be joined together in holy matrimony, let them speak now, or forever hold their peace.”
Ethan smiled, turning slightly toward the guests as if inviting their silent admiration.
Before the Bishop could turn the page of the liturgy, I stepped forward and took the microphone directly from the lectern.
The entire cathedral went deathly quiet. A collective gasp rippled through five hundred guests. Ethan’s smile instantly froze on his face. “Ava? What are you doing?” he hissed under his breath, reaching out to grab my wrist.
May you like
I pulled back with razor-sharp authority, turning directly toward the audience. My voice echoed with crystal clarity through the high stone arches.
“Before we proceed with the vows of honor and fidelity, there is an impediment that this entire room deserves to hear.”
