Chapter 2 - The Groom's Betrayal
I ripped open the heavy envelope with trembling fingers, ignoring the sharp pain in my throat.
Dozens of glossy photographs spilled out, scattering across the dressing room floor.
I dropped to my knees and picked one up, feeling the blood drain completely from my face.
The photograph showed my fiancé Liam sitting at an underground poker table, surrounded by stacks of cash.
Sitting directly across from him, holding a massive stack of chips, was my brother Jason.
"You told me you didn't know my brother before we started dating," I whispered, looking up at Liam.
Liam swallowed hard, avoiding my gaze as he nervously adjusted his expensive silk tie.
Richard stepped forward, his imposing presence dominating the small, tense room.
"Your perfect groom owes a violent gambling syndicate over half a million dollars," Richard stated calmly.
My mother crossed her arms, looking entirely unbothered by the shocking criminal revelation.
"He promised to pay off the entire debt as soon as your name was on the property transfer," Jason spat out angrily.
The sickening truth hit me like a physical blow to the stomach.
My entire relationship, the romantic proposal, and this lavish wedding were all a carefully orchestrated scam.
They only wanted my eight-hundred-thousand-dollar house to save Liam's pathetic life from loan sharks.
"You were going to let the syndicate take my home?" I asked Liam, tears streaming down my face.
Liam dropped his loving facade entirely, his handsome face twisting into a cold, desperate sneer.
"I don't have a choice, Maya, because they promised to kill me if I don't pay them by midnight."
He pulled a small, silver handgun from his tuxedo jacket and aimed it directly at my chest.
My mother gasped, but she did not step in front of the weapon to protect me.
"Just sign the damn papers, Maya, and nobody has to get hurt today," Liam ordered ruthlessly.
Richard did not flinch at the sight of the loaded firearm.
"You really think a cheap gun is going to save you from my people, Liam?" Richard asked smoothly.
Liam's hands shook violently, his finger resting dangerously close to the trigger.
"I paid off the local police working outside, so your security team is entirely useless," Liam laughed bitterly.
May you like
He cocked the gun, the metallic click echoing loudly in the silent dressing room.
"Now pick up the pen, Maya, before I blow a hole through your pretty white dress."
