CHAPTER 12: THE PAST RETURNS
The wedding was small and intimate. Only close family and friends. My father walked me down the aisle, just like he had the first time.
But this time, I wasn't nervous.
This time, I was sure.
"Do you take this man to be your husband?" the officiant asked.
"I do."
Michael smiled.
"Do you take this woman to be your wife?"
"I do."
"Then by the power vested in me, I pronounce you husband and wife."
We kissed.
Everyone applauded.
And I was happy.
But that evening, as we were leaving the reception, a woman approached us.
She was middle-aged, elegant, with sharp eyes and a cruel smile.
"Sarah Ashford," she said. "Or should I say Sarah Sterling now?"
I stopped.
"Who are you?"
"My name is Patricia Vance. You may remember me from your trial. I was Nathan's lawyer."
I felt Michael's hand tighten on mine.
"What do you want?"
"I just wanted to tell you something," she said. "Something your father's lawyers couldn't suppress."
"I don't care what you have to say."
"You should. Because it's about your husband. Your new husband."
I felt a chill run down my spine.
"Michael? What about him?"
Patricia smiled.
"Did you know he was working for Ashford Global when you were married to Nathan?"
Michael stiffened.
"That's a lie."
"Is it? Because I have the records to prove it. Pay stubs. Employment contracts. Performance reviews."
"You're wrong," I said.
"Am I? Then why did he apply for a job at Sterling Global right after you started your new life?"
I turned to Michael.
"What is she talking about?"
Michael's face was pale.
"Sarah, I can explain—"
"Explain what?"
"I was working for Ashford Global. But I didn't know what they were doing. I just worked in the mailroom. I didn't know about Nathan's crimes."
"Then why did you apply at Sterling Global?"
"Because I saw you! I saw your picture in the news. And I wanted to help you."
Patricia laughed.
"Help her? Or take her money?"
I stared at Michael.
The man I had trusted.
The man I had loved.
The man who might have been lying to me all along.
"Tell me the truth," I said. "Right now. Or this marriage is over before it even begins."
Michael looked at me.
And then he looked away.
And I knew.
May you like
I knew the truth.
And my heart broke.
