Chapter 2: The Entire Ballroom Became Witnesses
"What?"
Preston laughed nervously.
"This has to be some mistake."
Marcus said nothing.
He simply turned the tablet toward the guests.
The hotel surveillance footage began to play.
The ballroom fell silent.
Every guest watched Preston calmly slip his own phone into Sophie's jacket.
No one spoke.
Then came the accusation.
The fake discovery.
The whispers.
The humiliation.
Finally...
The assault.
The heavy oak board crashed into Sophie's head on the screen.
A collective gasp echoed through the ballroom.
The bride staggered backward.
"I..."
"I didn't know."
Marcus looked at her.
"Neither did the child."
Preston's mother rushed forward.
"My son was emotional."
"He didn't mean—"
Marcus interrupted.
"The video says otherwise."
He zoomed in.
Preston looked directly at the camera seconds before planting the phone.
He even smiled.
Not accidentally.
Knowingly.
The detective spoke quietly.
"That smile demonstrates intent."
The room became colder.
Then Marcus addressed the guests.
"Did anyone attempt to help the injured child?"
Silence.
"Did anyone call emergency services?"
More silence.
Every face lowered.
Even those who had said nothing now felt guilty.
Because they had watched.
And done nothing.
Handcuffs clicked around Preston's wrists.
His bride slowly removed her wedding ring.
She placed it on a nearby table.
Without saying a word...
May you like
She walked away.
The marriage had lasted less than four hours.
