“One decision?”
I pointed toward Bennett.
“You intercepted a letter.
You took money intended for him.
You forged my name.
You lied to me for five years.
Then, when he stood in front of you, you called him my failure.”
My father’s face reddened.
“After everything we gave you—”
I raised my hand.
He stopped, perhaps because I had never done that before.
“You gave me fear and called it discipline.
You gave me shame and called it guidance.
You demanded obedience and called it love.”
My mother shook her head.
“Maris, think carefully.
Once you say certain things, you cannot take them back.”
“That is the first honest thing you have said today.”
I asked the coordinator to have my parents escorted out.
She nodded immediately.
My father laughed in disbelief.
“You are throwing your own parents out of your wedding?”
“No.
I am removing the people who attacked my son.”
Keaton stepped forward.
“This is insane.
You are choosing Callum’s performance over your family.”
Callum said nothing.
He did not need to.
I looked at my brother.
“You laughed when a four-year-old was told he did not belong.”
Keaton’s face changed.
“You can leave too.”
Lianne stared at me.
“Maris—”
“You laughed with him.”
“It was awkward.
I didn’t know what to do.”
“You knew enough to make Bennett feel smaller.”
Her mouth opened, then closed.
She followed our parents toward the doors.
Keaton went after them, muttering that I would regret humiliating everyone.
My father paused before stepping outside.
“You will need us when this man gets tired of playing hero.”
Callum’s expression did not shift.
I answered for myself.
“I needed you when I was pregnant and afraid.
You decided my fear was profitable.”
The doors closed behind them.
For several seconds, no one moved.
Then Callum turned to me.
“We do not have to continue today.”
I looked at the altar, the flowers, the guests, and Bennett standing between us with the rings.
My parents had already stolen enough moments from me.
I would not hand them this one too.
