Chapter 3 - The Price of Pride
Julian ignored the ringing phone, his eyes locked on Rebecca’s manicured hand. The silence between them grew suffocating. Outside the heavy chapel doors, the faint murmur of two hundred affluent guests grew restless. The organist struck an uncertain introductory chord, waiting for the processional that was already five minutes late.
""Julian,"" Rebecca warned, her voice dropping into a razor-thin whisper. ""Everyone who matters in this city is sitting out there. The mayor. My father’s board members. Your investors. If you embarrass me today, I will personally ensure you are left without a dime, a home, or legal representation.""
Julian looked at the white flower clip pinned in Lily's soft hair. It had belonged to her mother, Elena, who had succumbed to cancer two years ago. On her deathbed, Elena had made him swear one thing: Never let anyone make our little girl feel unloved.
With slow, deliberate calm, Julian reached up to his lapel. He unpinned the pristine white rose boutonnière and let it drop onto the floor.
Rebecca gasped, taking an involuntary step back. ""What do you think you’re doing?""
""A vow made under extortion isn't a marriage, Rebecca,"" Julian said, his voice ringing loud and clear into the nave. ""It's a prison sentence. And I won't trade my daughter's life to keep my company afloat.""
Vance stepped up beside the bride, his face hardening. ""You are making a catastrophic mistake, Sterling. Default notices are already queued. The banks will freeze your accounts within the hour.""
""Let them,"" Julian replied, scooping Lily into his arms. Lily buried her face instantly into his shoulder, her tiny arms wrapping around his neck with desperate strength. ""Take the company. Take every brick and every share. But you will never touch my child.""
Julian turned his back on the altar and walked toward the side exit leading to the private vestry.
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""Julian!"" Rebecca shrieked, shedding her composed facade as rage twisted her features. ""If you walk through that door, I swear you will lose her anyway! You have no idea what I filed yesterday!""
Julian froze with his hand on the brass handle of the side exit, Rebecca’s parting words echoing with a sinister promise.
