Chapter 13 - Freeing the Cage
Hotel security—having finally pushed through the panicked crowd—flooded the ballroom, flanked by two uniformed police officers who had been stationed nearby for high-profile event detail.
"Officers! Arrest them!" Julian commanded, pointing directly at my parents. "Assault with a deadly weapon, domestic battery, and attempted grievous bodily harm on private property!"
Mom shrieked as Officer Ramirez stepped forward, grabbing her arms and snapping cold steel handcuffs around her wrists with professional efficiency. "You can't do this! We’re her parents! She provoked us!" Mom screamed, thrashing against the cuffs as the officer dragged her backward.
Dad tried to puff out his chest and invoke his executive status, but Officer Miller didn't hesitate, pinning Dad’s arms behind his back and clicking the second set of cuffs into place. "Save it for the judge, pal. Walking into a wedding and bludgeoning the bride with a piece of furniture is a one-way ticket to a felony cell block."
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As my parents were hauled out of the grand ballroom in handcuffs, their faces twisted in humiliation and furious disbelief, the heavy oak doors slammed shut behind them, sealing away thirty years of emotional abuse, tyranny, and conditional love forever.
Julian dropped to his knees beside me instantly, his hands trembling as he gently cradled my face. "Chloe. Look at me. Are you okay? Hang on, paramedics are on their way."
