Chapter 2: The Price of Pride
Claire rushed after Elena as she walked toward the private elevator.
"Please wait!"
Elena stopped but didn't turn around.
"I'm sorry."
No answer.
"I lost my temper."
Still nothing.
Tears rolled down Claire's face.
"I'll pay for the dress."
Elena finally looked back.
"The dress isn't the problem."
Claire froze.
"The cake isn't the problem."
"The shouting isn't the problem."
"You've spent the last two years trying to convince Daniel that everyone who loved him before you was beneath you."
Each sentence landed harder than the last.
"You insulted the staff."
"You mocked the waiters."
"You treated kindness as weakness."
"And tonight..."
Elena glanced at the chocolate stains.
"...you showed everyone exactly who you are."
Claire broke down completely.
Daniel arrived moments later.
He stood beside his sister.
"I loved you," he told Claire quietly.
"But I can't build a marriage on arrogance."
Claire reached for his hand.
He stepped back.
The wedding guests watched in stunned silence as Daniel slowly removed his wedding ring.
"I can't marry someone who humiliates the woman who sacrificed her entire life so I could have mine."
He placed the ring on a nearby table.
"The wedding is over."
Gasps echoed through the hall.
Claire sobbed.
"Please don't leave me..."
Daniel closed his eyes.
"I already lost enough family once."
"I'm not losing the one person who never abandoned me."
Without another word, he walked away beside Elena.
May you like
Not as a groom...
But as a grateful little brother.
