Chapter 2 - Echoes of the Past
The heavy silence that fell over the banquet hall was broken only by the tinny, digitized sound of a voice recording echoing through the professional speakers. The audio was slightly grainy, carrying the unmistakable hiss of a phone call made years ago.
Julian stood frozen, his eyes glued to the screen where the portrait of the unknown woman remained frozen in time. The guests in the front rows began to shift uncomfortably, whispering among themselves, realizing that this was no longer a playful wedding prank.
Julian, his face stark white, gripped the edge of the sweetheart table so hard his knuckles turned translucent. He looked at Elena, whose hands were still raised defensively in front of her chest, her chest heaving as she fought for air.
Turn it off, Julian hissed, his voice barely above a whisper, his teeth clenched so tightly his jaw ached. Turn that damn thing off right now!
Maya did not move. She kept both hands firmly on the microphone, her small shoulders squared. She did not blink as the audio recording continued to play, broadcasting a conversation that detailed financial transfers, hidden properties, and a promise made under false pretenses.
Elena took a stumbling step backward, nearly tripping over the heavy layers of her tulle skirt. Her manicured hands fluttered near her mouth as tears finally spilled over her mascara-darkened eyelashes.
Julian, please, you have to listen to me, Elena choked out, her voice pitching upward in distress. I swear on my life, I had no idea that file existed!
Julian did not look at her. His gaze remained locked on Maya, then drifted slowly back to the screen. The portrait on the display had begun to slide away, replaced by a series of scanned legal documents bearing signatures that made Julian’s stomach churn.
Who gave you this, Maya? Julian asked, his voice dead, devoid of any warmth or husbandly affection.
Maya lowered the microphone an inch, her small chest rising and falling with natural, steady breaths.
My mom told me to wait until the cake was cut, Maya replied clearly, her voice carrying across the silent hall. But she said if you kissed the bride first, I had to do it immediately.
Julian felt the room tilt on its axis. He looked out into the crowd of seated guests, spotting his business partners, his closest friends, and his elderly mother, all staring in horrified fascination. No one moved. No one dared to stand up and intervene.
Elena grabbed Julian’s sleeve with trembling fingers, her nails digging into the black fabric of his tuxedo.
It’s a setup, Julian, she cried, her voice desperate. Someone is trying to ruin us! Look at me! Do you really think I would risk everything for this?
Julian looked down at her fingers resting on his arm. Slowly, deliberately, he reached up and peeled her hand away, letting her fingers drop into empty space.
May you like
The audio recording on the speakers suddenly shifted, playing a new voice, one that made Julian’s heart stop entirely.
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