Handing Him Eviction Papers at Our Wedding Altar

"Thank you all for gathering here today."

Julian’s voice boomed through the cathedral speakers. He stood at the altar, looking out at the five hundred guests packing the pews.

"Julian, what are you doing?" I asked, keeping my tone entirely flat.

He ignored me. He gripped the microphone tighter.

"I brought you here to witness a union," he announced to the sprawling crowd of investors, family, and elite socialites. "But not the one printed on your invitations."

A collective gasp swept through the cathedral.

"Harper and I are calling off our engagement," he declared.

I stared at the man I was supposed to marry in less than five minutes.

"You chose our wedding day to do this?" I asked.

"It was the only way to be completely honest," he replied, finally meeting my gaze. "I am stopping a massive mistake."

"By humiliating me in front of our entire network."

"By standing in my truth," he countered, lifting his chin. He turned back to the audience. "Instead of Harper, I will be marrying the woman who truly holds my heart. Chloe Mercer."

Whispers erupted from the front rows.

"Did he just say Chloe?" a woman muttered from the bride's side.

"Isn't that his marketing director?" a man whispered back.

From the side aisle, Chloe stepped into the light. She wore a floor-length white silk gown. She had planned this.

"Julian, baby," Chloe cooed, gliding up the altar steps.

"I love you, Chloe," he said, wrapping a free arm around her waist.

My nails dug into my palms. The sharp sting of my own manicure grounded me. I forced my spine straight, locking my shoulders into rigid perfection.

Not a single tear formed in my eyes. I refused to give them the satisfaction of my grief.

"I’m sorry, Harper," Chloe said, offering a sickeningly sweet pout. "We couldn't hide our love anymore."

"You wore a wedding dress to my wedding," I noted. "You weren't trying to hide anything."

"Julian needs a real partner," she shot back, her tone sharpening. "Not a cold business transaction."

"He needs a reality check."

Julian handed the microphone to the officiant. He turned to face me fully, his eyes swimming with overwhelming pity.

"Don't make a scene, Harper," Julian warned, lowering his voice. "I will make sure you are taken care of."

"Taken care of?" I repeated.

"A generous settlement. You won't leave empty-handed."

"A settlement." I tasted the word. I let a dry, humorless laugh escape my lips.

"Just nod and step down," Julian urged, stepping closer. "Save your dignity. Don't fight a battle you have already lost."

"My dignity is perfectly intact, Julian."

"Be reasonable. My legal team already reviewed the standard prenup. You get a flat payout. That's it."

"You really think a flat payout covers this?" I asked, gesturing to the massive floral arches and the hundreds of staring faces.

"It covers your time," he said. "Now please, walk away."

I didn't step down from the altar. Instead, I turned my back on