The final document was a short text file written by Maya just days prior: I don’t have much time left, Henry. I never wanted your money. I only wanted you to know that I never betrayed you.

The silence in the room was absolute, heavy with the weight of a horrific injustice.

Henry turned to face Lara and Sonia. His face was devoid of color, his jaw clenched so hard the muscles quivered. Sonia was cowering behind her husband, while Lara stood frozen, tears of embarrassment and ruined ambition streaming down her face.

“Henry, listen to me,” Lara whimpered, reaching out a hand. “It was my mother, I didn’t—”

“Touch me, and you will answer to my lawyers before the sun sets,” Henry whispered, his voice low, cold, and dripping with venom. He looked around at the gathered elite, his voice rising to strike every corner of the room. “The wedding is canceled. Get out. All of you.”

Without waiting for a response, Henry tore the boutonnier from his lapel, threw it to the ground, and sprinted down the aisle toward the exit, determined to reach the hospital before the girl he had wronged lost her battle with time.