Chapter 2
Gasps rippled through the grand hallway outside the prep room as Ethan pushed open the heavy mahogany doors holding Lily's hand.
Over two hundred elite guests from Wall Street and Manhattan high society were seated in the chapel downstairs.
Victoria's mother, Eleanor, rushed toward them in her tailored navy silk suit, her diamonds sparkling under the hallway chandeliers.
"Ethan, what on earth is going on?" Eleanor demanded, her sharp eyes scanning the visible tension in his posture.
"The organist has already started playing, and the wedding coordinator is waiting for your cue!"
"Ask your daughter about the non-disclosure agreement and custody transfer she tried to make me sign," Ethan replied coldly.
Victoria emerged from the room, holding the champagne satin skirt of her wedding gown to keep from tripping over the hem.
"Mother, stop him!" Victoria cried out, her polished social persona completely crumbling before the gathering crowd.
"He is threatening to destroy our family alliance over a simple educational arrangement for the child!"
Ethan did not look back as he walked past the shocked caterers and security personnel toward the private elevator.
Lily clutched her father's hand tightly, her small shoes clicking softly against the polished marble floor.
"We are going home right now, Lily," Ethan whispered, kissing the top of her dark hair as the elevator doors slid shut.
Behind them, the opulent hotel suite erupted into total chaotic shouting as Victoria realized her grand plan had collapsed.
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Inside the quiet elevator, Ethan looked at his reflection in the mirrored walls, adjusting his silver bowtie with shaking hands.
He knew that calling off the wedding was only the first shot fired in a war that was about to destroy his life.
