Chapter 6 - The Unraveling at the Altar
Sutton burst out of the bridal suite doors, her veil trailing behind her like a white cloud, her face twisted in hysterical rage. ""Fallon! What is wrong with you?!"" she screamed, marching down the aisle toward my wheelchair with her fists clenched. ""You couldn't stand that all eyes weren't on you yesterday, so now you show up in a wheelchair looking like a total psycho to ruin my ceremony? Security, throw her in the ocean!""
The two police officers stepped smoothly into Sutton's path, blocking her advance with calm, authoritative efficiency. ""Step back, ma'am,"" the lead officer instructed, resting his hand casually on his belt. ""Ms. Fallon Caruso has filed formal legal documentation regarding an active felony assault and grand larceny investigation involving this venue.""
Althia lunged forward, her voice trembling with frantic denial. ""That's a lie! She fell because she's clumsy! She's always sabotaging Sutton out of pure jealousy!"" Stellin rushed up beside her, pointing an accusing finger at me. ""You ungrateful, malicious bitch! We raised you, and this is how you pay us back? Arrest her, officer! She's trespassing!""
Before the officers could respond, the glass doors of the groom's suite swung open. Alden walked slowly down the terrace steps. He wasn't wearing his tuxedo jacket; his white shirt sleeves were rolled up, and his face was etched with a cold, unforgiving exhaustion. He didn't look at Althia, and he didn't look at Stellin. His dark eyes locked entirely onto Sutton. ""It wasn't an accident, Althia,"" Alden said, his voice carrying clearly across the silent lawn. ""I was standing by the pillar on the second-floor landing. I saw Sutton hook her ankle. I heard every word she said when Fallon hit the floor. And I've spent the last six hours reviewing the resort's security footage with my own legal team.""
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Sutton's face drained of every drop of color, her bravado evaporating instantly. ""Alden... baby, you're confused, she's lying to you, everyone is turning against me—""
""Shut up, Sutton,"" Alden interrupted quietly, the sheer contempt in his voice silencing her instantly. ""The wedding is cancelled. Permanently."" He turned his gaze toward me, offering a somber, apologetic nod. ""I am deeply sorry, Fallon. For what it's worth... you deserve so much better than this family of sociopaths.""
