Chapter 1 - The White Rose Wall
The Crystal Ballroom of the St. Regis was a vision of manufactured perfection.
Thousands of white roses, imported from Ecuador, were woven into a colossal, floor-to-ceiling floral wall that served as the altar.
Beneath crystal chandeliers, Arthur stood in a tailored black tuxedo, holding the hands of his stunning bride, Vanessa.
She looked ethereal in a custom silk-chiffon gown, her smile radiating a practiced, flawless joy.
In the front row, amidst three hundred of the city’s elite, there was only one empty seat.
It belonged to Lily, Arthur’s six-year-old daughter.
Arthur had been told by Vanessa that Lily was simply overwhelmed, resting in the bridal suite with a nanny.
It had been a grueling month.
Exactly thirty days ago, Arthur’s wife, Eleanor, had vanished without a trace, leaving behind only a typed letter stating she was suffocating in their marriage and needed to disappear.
Broken and desperate, Arthur had leaned heavily on Vanessa, Eleanor’s supposed best friend and business partner.
Vanessa had been the one to dry his tears, manage his household, and subtly convince him that a quiet, immediate wedding would provide stability for Lily.
The officiant raised his hands, his voice echoing through the silent, reverent hall.
"If anyone here knows any reason why these two should not be joined in holy matrimony, speak now or forever hold your peace."
A heavy, decorative golden hammer—meant for shattering the ceremonial ice sculpture at the reception—dragged across the marble floor with a piercing *screech*.
The guests turned in unison.
Lily stood at the edge of the aisle.
Her white flower-girl dress was stained with dirt, her tear-streaked face pale and contorted with sheer terror.
She wasn't looking at her father.
She wasn't looking at the bride.
May you like
Her wide, desperate eyes were locked entirely on the giant wall of white roses.
Before anyone could react, the six-year-old let out a gut-wrenching scream, hoisted the heavy golden hammer with both hands, and charged the altar.
