Chapter 4 - The Wedding of the CenturyThe morning of the wedding arrived with clear, brilliant sunlight streaming over the marble steps of St. Regis Cathedral.
Four hundred high-society guestsâCEOs, politicians, judges, and reportersâfilled the high-arched sanctuary. Flowers worth fifty thousand dollars lined the center aisle, and a live string quartet played soft classical music.
At the front of the altar stood Grant, wearing a three-thousand-dollar Tom Ford tuxedo, his hair slicked back, looking like a man who believed he was at the absolute peak of the world.
Beside him stood Vivian, wearing a gold lace gown and a diamond necklace, holding court with the cityâs wealthiest matriarchs.
âItâs about time Grant married a real woman,â Vivian boasted to a senatorâs wife in the front pew. âSomeone who understands the importance of carrying on a legacy. Weâre expecting a boy in six months!â
The heavy cathedral doors opened, and the crowd gasped in admiration as Celeste began her walk down the aisle.
She wore an off-the-shoulder lace wedding gown, her veil trailing behind her, her hand gently cradling her rounded, four-month 'pregnant' stomach. She looked radiant, victorious, and completely unbothered by the life she had destroyed to get there.
Grant watched her walk toward him, his eyes filled with arrogant pride.
The priest stepped up to the podium, opening his leather liturgical book.
âDearly beloved,â the priest began, his voice echoing off the stained-glass windows. âWe are gathered here today in the sight of God and these witnesses to join this man and this woman in holy matrimony...â
The ceremony proceeded smoothly. Vows were exchanged, rings were placed on fingers, and the priest reached the final traditional declaration:
âIf anyone here present knows any reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now, or forever hold your peace.â
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The silence in the cathedral lasted for two seconds.
And then, the heavy oak double doors at the back of the church were pushed wide open.
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