Chapter 5: The Person I Trusted Most
I didn’t sleep that night.
Not because I was afraid.
Because I was trying to understand how many people had been lying to me.
The wedding venue was empty when I returned inside.
The flowers that were supposed to celebrate my marriage now looked like decorations from a crime scene.
My dress was still perfect.
My makeup was still flawless.
But I felt like I was looking at someone else.
Someone who almost walked into a trap wearing white.
Jordan stayed with me while my father made calls.
“We need to secure every account connected to you,” Jordan said.
I nodded.
“What about the company?””
“We’re handling that too.””
My father stood near the window, silent.
I watched him.
The man who taught me how to ride a bike.
The man who stayed awake all night when I had a fever.
The man who now looked like he was carrying a secret too heavy to hold.
“Dad.””
He turned.
“Why didn’t you tell me about Richard?””
His eyes lowered.
“Because Richard wasn’t always like this.””
“That doesn’t answer my question.””
My father sighed.
“Years ago, when the company was struggling, Richard helped us survive.””
I listened.
“He was your uncle. Your mother and I trusted him.””
“And then?””
“He started believing he deserved more.””
I crossed my arms.
“So he decided to take it?””
My father nodded slowly.
“He thought the company belonged to him too.””
A bitter laugh escaped me.
“Everyone keeps deciding what belongs to them.””
My father looked hurt.
“I’m sorry.””
I wanted to accept that apology.
I really did.
But apologies couldn’t erase secrets.
A sound came from the entrance.
The door opened.
Everyone turned.
Marcus walked in.
Alone.
My entire body became tense.
Jordan stepped forward.
“You need to leave.””
Marcus ignored him.
He looked at me.
“Claire, please.””
I stared at him.
“You broke into my wedding.””
“I came here to talk.””
“You already talked.””
His face changed.
“I made a mistake.””
I almost smiled.
“A mistake is forgetting an anniversary.””
I stepped closer.
“You planned to marry me for money.””
Marcus looked down.
For a moment, I saw shame.
Then it disappeared.
“I was under pressure.””
“From who?””
He didn’t answer.
That silence was enough.
“Your mother?””
Marcus looked away.
“My mother made things complicated.””
I shook my head.
“No. Your choices made things complicated.””
He stepped closer.
“Claire, listen. I never wanted it to go this far.””
“Then why did you propose?””
He swallowed.
“I thought I could fix everything after.””
I stared at him.
“You thought you could marry me, take control of my money, and then become a better person later?””
He had no answer.
Jordan moved beside me.
“Marcus, leave.””
Marcus finally looked at Jordan.
“You don’t know what’s happening.””
Jordan frowned.
“What does that mean?””
Marcus looked back at me.
“Your uncle isn’t the only person involved.””
My stomach tightened.
“What?””
Marcus rubbed his face.
“Richard recruited me. Diane was paid. But there was someone else.””
I felt anger rising.
“Who?””
Marcus looked at me.
“Someone who has been close to you your entire life.””
My heart sank.
“No.””
He nodded.
“Yes.””
“Who?””
Marcus hesitated.
Then he said,
“Your father’s business partner.””
I froze.
“That’s impossible.””
Marcus shook his head.
“You think your father knew because he was protecting you?””
My breathing slowed.
“What are you saying?””
Marcus looked toward the folder Jordan was holding.
“He knew because he was afraid of what would happen if you found out.””
The room went silent.
My father’s face changed.
May you like
And for the first time…
I wondered if Marcus was telling the truth.
