Chapter 9 - The Aftermath at the Altar
Daniel collapsed onto the altar steps, his head buried in his hands, shaking with silent, ragged sobs.
The guests began whispering frantically among themselves, shuffling out of the pews in awkward silence, eager to escape the wreckage of the ruined ceremony. Within ten minutes, the grand chapel was entirely empty, save for the caterers packing up untouched appetizers and the lingering scent of white roses.
I walked up the aisle, knelt beside him, and wrapped my arms tightly around his shoulders. He leaned into my chest, weeping like he hadn't since he was a boy losing his father.
“I'm sorry, Mom,” he choked out. “I'm so sorry I didn't believe you”.
“I know, sweetheart,” I murmured, smoothing his hair while holding him tight. “You're safe now. That's all that matters”.
We sat there on the stone steps for a long time. Evan had quietly slipped away after the deputies took Lauren, leaving us to pick up the pieces of a shattered reality. Daniel slowly lifted his head, his eyes red-rimmed and hollow, looking at the empty aisle where his bride had stood only moments before.
"How long did you know?" he whispered hoarsely.
"Since Thursday night," I replied gently. "When she left her photograph on my dining room floor."
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Daniel let out a dry, broken laugh, staring at the floor where his wedding band had rolled away. "She never loved me, did she?"
"She loved what your father left you," I said softly, holding his hand. "But you survived this, Daniel. And you still have your life, your dignity, and your future."
