Marilyn’s face drained of color. “What does that mean?”
James turned to her. “It means there is no legal marriage inside those gates.”
The murmurs turned sharp.
James explained calmly, clearly, and publicly.
Two weeks earlier, Daniel had come to him asking for advice. Daniel was under investigation at the firm for financial misconduct—embezzling client funds. James had advised him to come clean and delay all major life events. Daniel didn’t.
Instead, Daniel attempted to rush a marriage—not to me, but to another woman, the daughter of a wealthy investor—hoping to secure money and protection.
But here’s what Daniel hadn’t known.
The marriage license.
I had picked it up myself days earlier, per state law. My name was the only one on it. Daniel had never signed it.
Without my signature, no legal marriage could occur.
Inside the venue, Daniel had staged a ceremony anyway.
James continued, “This morning, Daniel attempted to register a different marriage license. It was denied. The firm was notified. I was notified.”
By now, guests were opening the gates. I could see Daniel inside, pale, frozen.
James raised his voice just enough. “Daniel Price is being terminated effective immediately. Law enforcement has been contacted. This event is over.”
Marilyn began shouting. Daniel tried to push past guests toward me.
I didn’t move.
