Emily Was Seconds Away From Saying “I Do” — Then a Woman Put an Official Document in Her Hands
Chapter 1 — Stop the Ceremony
Emily Carter had imagined this moment for almost two years.
The flowers.
The music.
Her father’s hand trembling slightly as he walked her down the aisle.
Ryan standing beneath the white arch waiting for her.
Everything looked perfect.
The minister smiled.
“Emily and Ryan have chosen to begin their marriage today surrounded by the people they love most.”
Emily squeezed Ryan’s hand.
Then the doors at the back of the chapel opened.
Hard.
A woman in a black suit rushed inside.
“Stop the ceremony.”
The music ended abruptly.
Every guest turned.
Ryan’s hand went rigid inside Emily’s.
Emily noticed.
The woman walked quickly down the aisle carrying a brown legal folder.
“Excuse me,” the minister said. “Who are you?”
The woman ignored him.
She stopped directly in front of Emily.
“My name is Nora Ellis.”
She opened the folder.
“I’m an attorney.”
Emily stared at her.
“What is this?”
Nora removed an official document.
“You need to read this before you marry him.”
Ryan stepped forward.
“Nora, don’t.”
Emily slowly turned toward him.
“You know her?”
Ryan didn’t answer.
Nora placed the document into Emily’s hands.
Emily read the first line.
Then the second.
Her face went pale.
Across the top were the words:
CERTIFICATE OF MARRIAGE.
Groom:
RYAN MATTHEW COLE.
Bride:
NATALIE ROSE COLE.
Date:
SEPTEMBER 14 — FIVE YEARS EARLIER.
Emily stared at Ryan.
“Tell me this isn’t real.”
Ryan stepped toward her.
“Emily, I can explain.”
Nora pointed toward the bottom of the page.
Ryan’s signature was clearly visible.
Emily looked at it.
Then slowly pulled her hand away from his.
“You knew about this?”
Ryan said nothing.
And in front of one hundred and twelve guests, the man Emily was about to marry suddenly looked like a stranger.
