CHAPTER 2: THE WEDDING THAT TURNED INTO A TRIAL
At the church, Ethan Brooks looked pale.
His bride was missing.
His mother whispered, “Call the police.”
Vanessa stepped forward, already crying.
“Don’t.”
Everyone turned.
She placed both hands over her fake belly.
“Emma left because she found out the truth.”
Ethan stared at her.
“What truth?”
Vanessa’s voice trembled.
“I’m pregnant.”
Gasps filled the church.
“And Ethan is the father.”
Ethan’s face changed.
Not shock.
Fear.
Emma’s mother stood up.
“You’re lying.”
Vanessa looked at Ethan.
“Tell them.”
The church went silent.
Ethan swallowed.
Vanessa smiled through tears.
“Tell them about the night in Boston.”
Emma’s father narrowed his eyes.
“What night?”
Ethan looked down.
That was enough.
The room erupted.
Vanessa continued.
“He was going to do the right thing.”
“He was going to marry me.”
Ethan finally whispered.
“I was drunk.”
Vanessa touched his arm.
“But you remembered enough.”
His mother slapped him across the face.
“You cheated on your bride?”
Ethan said nothing.
Then Vanessa turned toward the guests.
“Emma abandoned him.”
“She knew about the baby and ran.”
At that moment, the church doors opened.
Emma walked in.
Her dress was torn.
Her hair was loose.
But her eyes were steady.
“No.”
She held up her phone.
“I didn’t run.”
“I was locked away.”
Vanessa stumbled back.
Emma looked at Ethan.
“And you…”
Her voice broke for one second.
May you like
Then hardened.
“You weren’t innocent either.”
