Chapter 8: The Interruption**
The ceremony proceeded with traditional cadence until the minister reached the pivotal declaration: *"If any person here can show just cause why they may not lawfully be joined together, let them speak now or forever hold their peace."*
The congregation expected the standard theatrical pause before proceeding. But James stepped forward, breaking the script entirely.
"Actually, Reverend," James stated clearly, his voice echoing cleanly across the high cathedral arches. "There is an impediment. But it does not lie between Rebecca and me. It lies with our witness."
A collective gasp rippled across the pews. Richard’s smile vanished instantly. His posture straightened, his eyes narrowing in suspicion.
"James, what kind of joke is this?" Richard chuckled nervously, half-standing from the pew. "Stick to the vows, little brother."
"Six years ago, a mother died on Route 9," James continued, not breaking eye contact with his brother. "And for six years, the man who paid the driver has pretended to be my savior."
May you like
Two uniformed State Troopers stepped quietly through the side doors near the pulpit, blocking the emergency exits.
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