Chapter 4 - The Wedding Vows
The ceremony began at sunset.
Caroline walked down the aisle.
Michael smiled.
Everyone smiled.
Margaret cried.
Caroline could almost admire the performance.
When she reached Michael, he took her hands.
His fingers were cold.
“You're beautiful,” he whispered.
“You too.”
“You seem nervous.”
“So do you.”
He laughed softly.
“Just excited.”
The officiant began.
Caroline listened.
For better or worse.
In sickness and health.
Through prosperity and hardship.
She looked at Michael.
He looked back.
For one brief moment, she wondered whether everything could still be fixed.
Maybe the documents had an explanation.
Maybe Margaret was manipulating him.
Maybe Michael had simply made a terrible decision under pressure.
Then he whispered:
“It's almost done.”
Caroline's stomach dropped.
“What?”
He smiled for the guests.
“I said you're beautiful.”
She stared at him.
The ceremony continued.
When they exchanged rings, Michael's hand trembled.
When they kissed, the ballroom erupted in applause.
Caroline smiled.
The photographer captured the moment.
Nobody saw the fear in her eyes.
At the reception, Margaret approached her.
“You're officially one of us now.”
Caroline looked at her.
“Am I?”
Margaret smiled.
“You have no idea.”
Then Michael took Caroline's hand.
“We need to sign the final documents.”
Caroline stopped.
“Tonight?”
“Yes.”
“After dinner.”
“No.”
Michael's smile remained.
“Now.”
Caroline looked toward Grace.
Grace was standing across the ballroom.
Their eyes met.
Grace gave the smallest possible nod.
Do it.
Caroline followed Michael into a private room.
A folder waited on the table.
Michael closed the door.
“Sign here.”
Caroline sat.
She opened the folder.
Then stopped.
“This isn't the document Margaret showed me.”
Michael's face changed.
“What?”
“This is different.”
“Just sign.”
“No.”
He stared at her.
“Caroline.”
She closed the folder.
“I want my attorney to review it.”
Michael's voice hardened.
“We're married now.”
“I know.”
“You trust me.”
“I trust myself.”
Silence.
Michael stepped closer.
“You're making a mistake.”
Caroline stood.
“Maybe.”
She walked toward the door.
Michael caught her arm.
“Don't.”
She looked at his hand.
Then at him.
He released her.
“I'm sorry.”
Caroline opened the door.
Grace was waiting outside.
Michael froze.
Grace smiled politely.
“Good evening.”
He stared at her.
“What are you doing here?”
“Attending the wedding.”
“No.”
Grace's smile disappeared.
“Then perhaps you should ask yourself why you were so worried about me.”
Caroline walked away.
Michael remained in the doorway.
May you like
Watching her.
For the first time that day, he looked afraid.
