CHAPTER 6 — THE TRUTH EXPLODES
“My name is Janelle Rowe,” she said, voice breaking but strong.
“And I was married to Cassian Holt.”
Gasps.
Guests frozen.
Cassian’s smile dissolved.
“I supported him when he had nothing.
I worked two jobs so he could build his company.
And when I got pregnant, he abandoned me.”
Cassian lunged for the mic — but suddenly servers stood between them.
Janelle continued.
“He invited me here tonight to humiliate me.
To show you all how far he thinks he’s risen.”
Then —
The screens lit up.
Not with wedding photos.
But with screenshots.
Cassian’s texts:
“Get rid of it. I’ll pay.”
“You’re ghetto trash.”
“This baby will ruin everything.”
Then audio:
“Yes, it’s mine. No, I don’t care. Don’t call me again.”
Guests gasped.
Investors stood up.
Marley Quinn — the bride — burst into tears.
Cassian shouted:
“It’s fake!”
But it was too late.
The truth was everywhere.
Marley walked up, removed her bridal cape, and wrapped it around Janelle gently.
“I’m so sorry,” she whispered.
“You didn’t deserve any of this.”
Then she ripped off her engagement ring, threw it at Cassian, and said:
“I’d rather be alone than married to a monster.”
The entire ballroom applauded.
Cassian’s world collapsed.