Chapter 4
"This wedding is officially over, and so is our marriage," Julian announced loudly to the entire assembly of guests. Gasps echoed through the grand hall as the full weight of the groom's declaration settled over the room.
Victoria clutched her sparkling diamond ring, the very symbol of her deceit, as if it were a life raft in a hurricane. "You can't divorce me! We signed the contracts, the registry is filed, and the reception cost half a million dollars!" she cried.
"Contracts signed under malicious fraud and public defamation are legally worthless in the state of New York," Julian replied calmly. He turned his back on her, walking toward the exit with slow, deliberate, and unhurried strides.
May you like
Maya followed a few steps behind him, holding her apron tight against her chest as the doors swung open. The afternoon sunlight poured into the grand hall, illuminating the dust motes dancing in the wake of their departure.
Victoria stood completely alone amidst the white rose petals, a ruined queen in a deserted castle of her own making.
