Chapter 11 - THE WEDDING MORNING BETRAYAL
Sunday morning arrived beneath a gray sky.
The Ravenwood gardens had been transformed.
White roses lined the pathways.
A string quartet rehearsed beneath a canopy.
Guests arrived in black cars.
Champagne flowed.
Everything looked perfect.
Vivien stood upstairs in her bridal suite.
Her dress was custom-made.
Ivory silk.
Hand-sewn lace.
A veil that had cost more than Claire earned in six months.
She smiled at herself in the mirror.
Then checked her phone.
A message from Lorenzo.
Did he sign?
Vivien typed:
Not yet. I'll handle it before the ceremony.
Downstairs, I stood in my study with Rebecca Shaw and Detective Michael Hayes, who had been coordinating the investigation into the threats and suspected fraud.
I had already provided the relevant documents to authorities.
The wedding guests were unaware.
But the plan had changed.
At eleven forty-five, Vivien entered my study.
She smiled.
“Roman.”
I looked up.
“You look beautiful.”
She blushed.
“Thank you.”
She placed a folder on my desk.
“Just one last thing before the ceremony.”
I looked at it.
“The paperwork?”
She nodded.
“Stephen said it needs to be signed today.”
I opened the folder.
Then looked at her.
“Vivien.”
“Yes?”
“Why were you in my safe?”
Her smile disappeared.
For a moment, she didn't move.
Then she laughed.
“What?”
I placed a photograph on the desk.
Her standing before the open safe.
The blue folder in her hands.
Her face went white.
May you like
I looked at her.
“Try again.”
