Chapter 8 - Fall of the Empire
Saint Jude’s Cathedral was bathed in glorious afternoon sunlight. Flowers worth tens of thousands of dollars lined the aisle. Two hundred elite guests sat in polished mahogany pews, dripping in diamonds and high fashion.
My parents sat in the front row. My mother was weeping joyfully as the organ hummed the opening notes of the bridal march. Vanessa stood at the altar in a lace gown that cost more than my annual income, looking like royalty. Grant stood beside her, handsome, composed, and radiant with unearned victory.
The priest raised his hands. "If anyone here knows of any reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now, or—"
The heavy oak doors at the back of the cathedral burst open with a deafening crash.
A dozen federal agents in marked tactical vests poured into the sanctuary, led by Marcus Reed and accompanied by state troopers. The congregation gasped, several women shrieking as armed officers surrounded the altar.
"Grant Vance!" Marcus’s voice echoed off the stained-glass windows. "You are under arrest for federal wire fraud, health care fraud, obstruction of justice, and conspiracy to commit money laundering!"
"What is the meaning of this?!" my father roared, leaping up from his pew, his face purple with rage. "This is a private religious ceremony! Call the chief of police immediately!"
"Your chief of police is currently being taken into custody at his office, sir," Marcus answered coldly.
Grant tried to bolt toward the sacristy exit, but two federal agents grabbed him, slamming him against the altar railing and slapping heavy steel handcuffs onto his wrists.
"Vanessa! Tell them!" Grant screamed, his face contorting in panic. "Call our lawyers!"
Vanessa stood frozen, her face pale as marble, her veil torn as Grant fought against the officers. She looked at the handcuffs, then at Marcus, and finally her eyes drifted to the back of the church.
May you like
I stepped through the open oak doors, standing beside David.
Vanessa’s eyes locked onto mine. The realization hit her like a physical blow. The illusion broke, shattering into a thousand irrecoverable pieces right in front of the entire city's elite society.
