Chapter 1 – The Torn Wedding Dress
The afternoon sunlight poured through the stained-glass windows of St. Gabriel's Chapel, painting the polished marble floor with brilliant shades of blue, gold, and crimson. White roses lined the aisle, their fragrance mixing with the soft melody played by the chapel organ.
Every guest stood smiling as Emily Carter reached the altar.
She looked radiant in her modest ivory wedding gown.
Across from her, Ethan Sullivan couldn't stop smiling.
After three years together, this was the day they had both dreamed about.
Reverend Thomas Brooks opened his Bible.
"Dearly beloved..."
Before he could continue—
RIP!
The sound echoed through the silent chapel.
Margaret Sullivan lunged forward and grabbed Emily's left shoulder.
The fabric tore apart.
Gasps erupted among the guests.
Emily instinctively covered herself as the torn fabric slipped down, exposing a butterfly-shaped birthmark beneath her shoulder.
Margaret froze.
Her anger disappeared instantly.
She stared at the birthmark.
Her lips trembled.
Then her eyes shifted to the silver butterfly pendant around Emily's neck.
The color drained from her face.
"My... daughter..."
The chapel fell into complete silence.
Ethan stared at his mother in disbelief.
"Mother... what are you talking about?"
Margaret slowly looked at him, tears streaming down her face.
May you like
"Stop this wedding."
