Clara carried Lilly out of the dark storage room, holding the girl firmly against her hip as she walked back into the long bright hotel corridor. Her mind was spinning with intense rage, every single soft thought about her upcoming marriage burning away into complete ash. She did not care about the thousands of dollars spent on flower decorations, the fancy wedding cakes, or the wealthy guests waiting in the hall. All she cared about was protecting the small child shaking in her arms and making sure the man responsible paid for what he did.
Her best friend Sarah was standing near the double doors leading into the main ballroom, holding a bouquet of fresh white lilies and wearing a bright smile. When Sarah saw Clara's pale face and the quiet tears streaming down little Lilly's red cheeks, her bright smile vanished instantly into deep concern. Sarah took a step forward, noticing the way Clara's hand was wrapped tightly around the child's torn pink dress sleeve.
Sarah: Clara, what's wrong? The music is starting to play inside the grand hall right now!
Clara: Hold Lilly for me, Sarah. Take her to the back room and keep her safe until I come back.
Sarah: Clara, your face is completely white. What on earth happened back there?
Clara: Just take her! Keep her far away from Julian until this is over!
Clara handed her daughter gently over to Sarah, making sure Lilly was safe behind the heavy wooden doors near the office desk. Lilly held onto Sarah's shoulder, watching her mother with big fearful eyes as Clara turned back around toward the main hall entrance. Clara adjusted the shoulders of her silk wedding dress, her breathing coming in slow, heavy gasps as she prepared herself for the confrontation. She did not look like a glowing bride anymore; she looked like a protective mother ready to tear down anyone who dared harm her child.
The massive wooden doors of the grand wedding ballroom were wide open, revealing a breathtaking space filled with over two hundred well dressed guests sitting on golden chairs. Golden chandeliers hung high from the tall ceiling, casting bright warm light across massive flower displays, long tables covered in crystal glasses, and a long white carpet leading to the altar. Standing at the far end of the carpet was Julian, looking handsome in a custom black tuxedo, smiling casually as he talked with his wealthy business partners.
Clara stepped onto the white carpet, her heavy footsteps sounding firm and loud against the quiet murmurs of the crowded room. She did not wait for the wedding march music to start, nor did she wait for her father to hold her arm down the aisle. She walked with fast, aggressive strides straight toward the altar, her eyes locked firmly on the man who had terrified her innocent daughter just moments ago in the dark room.