Chapter 7 - The Ceremony at Sunset
By late afternoon, the island looked unreal.
The western terrace glowed beneath the golden sky. White flowers covered the stone railings. Palm leaves moved above rows of elegant chairs. Beyond the cliff, the ocean stretched toward the horizon.
Guests arrived in formal clothing and gathered beneath the chandeliers.
Claire wore a silver gown chosen by Vanessa. It was beautiful but deliberately simple, designed not to compete with the bride.
Lily wore pale pink.
Before the ceremony, Claire adjusted the ribbon around her waist.
“Remember,” she whispered, “you do not have to be perfect.”
Lily nodded.
“I only have to walk.”
“And breathe.”
“And not run near the edge.”
Claire smiled.
“Exactly.”
The ceremony began.
Lily walked slowly down the aisle, releasing flower petals with both hands. The ocean breeze lifted several petals into the air, scattering them over the guests.
People smiled.
Lily reached the front without making a single mistake.
Claire saw the relief on her daughter’s face and felt unexpectedly emotional.
Then Vanessa appeared.
For a few minutes, she looked like the sister Claire remembered. Her expression softened as she approached Ethan. The anger and vanity seemed to disappear beneath the fading sunlight.
Ethan took her hands.
The officiant spoke about loyalty, truth, and respect.
Claire watched Vanessa repeat the vows.
She wondered whether her sister understood any of them.
After the ceremony, the guests moved toward the reception terrace. Champagne flowed. Cameras flashed. Music rose beneath the canopy.
Vanessa and Ethan posed near the floral arch while Lily stood several feet away holding a small basket.
A photographer asked Vanessa to turn so the train of her gown would catch the light.
At the same moment, Lily stepped backward.
Her shoe landed lightly on the edge of the train.
Vanessa turned.
The fabric pulled.
A sharp tearing sound cut through the music.
A nearby guest, startled by the sound, moved suddenly and struck a waiter’s tray. A glass of red wine tipped forward.
The wine splashed across Vanessa’s dress.
Everything stopped.
Lily looked down at the torn lace.
“I am sorry.”
Vanessa stared at the stain.
Her breathing became fast.
“It was an accident,” Claire said immediately.
Vanessa looked at Lily.
“You ruined my wedding.”
Lily’s face went pale.
“I said I am sorry.”
“You ruined everything.”
Ethan reached for Vanessa’s arm.
“We can clean the dress.”
She pulled away.
“No. She did this because Claire wanted her to.”
Claire stepped between Vanessa and Lily.
“That is enough.”
But Vanessa moved around her.
Lily backed away.
Behind the child, the stone terrace narrowed near the ocean view. A safety barrier stood several feet away, but the uneven flooring and strong breeze made the area dangerous for a frightened child.
Claire saw Lily’s heel catch against the edge of a decorative platform.
She also saw Vanessa rushing toward her.
May you like
Claire did not wait to discover what her sister intended.
She lunged forward.
