Part 2 of 3

“And I still can’t understand why Preston insists on marrying someone from such a different background.”

I began walking toward them.

My father spoke calmly.

“Our daughter is a wonderful person. That’s what should matter.”

Victoria’s expression hardened.

“People like you should be grateful you were even invited. You don’t belong in a family like ours.”

My mother took a step back.

“Raymond, let’s go inside.”

As they turned, Victoria moved toward my mother and pushed her away from the terrace.

My father immediately reached out to catch her.

Both lost their footing and fell into the pool.

The splash interrupted every conversation nearby.

My father surfaced first.

He helped my mother reach the steps while two staff members hurried forward with towels.

Victoria stood above them, laughing.

“Well, perhaps the water will help you look a little more presentable.”

My stomach dropped.

I couldn’t believe what I had just witnessed.

Then I saw Preston standing only a few feet away.

And his reaction hurt almost as much as his mother’s behavior.

The Silence That Ended Our Engagement

“Preston, say something!” I demanded.

He looked uncomfortable.

“Natalie, please lower your voice.”

I stared at him.

“Your mother pushed my parents into the water!”

He glanced toward the guests.

“Mom clearly went too far, but this isn’t the time to create an even bigger scene.”

My mother was sitting on a chair, wrapped in towels.

Her hands were trembling.

My father stood beside her, his suit soaked through.

I looked back at Preston.

“You think I’m the one creating a scene?”

He sighed.

“Natalie, don’t embarrass my family in front of two hundred guests. We’ll deal with your parents after the ceremony.”

For a moment, I couldn’t speak.

Then I walked to my mother.

“Mom, are you hurt?”

She shook her head.

“I’m all right, sweetheart. Just a little shaken.”

My father placed a hand on my shoulder.

“Don’t worry about us. This is supposed to be your special day.”

His kindness nearly brought me to tears.

Even after being publicly humiliated, my parents were more concerned about my happiness than their own embarrassment.

“Dad, I’m so sorry.”

He shook his head.

“You have nothing to apologize for.”

I looked at the man waiting to marry me.

Then I looked at his mother.

I suddenly understood what my future would look like if I continued.

Victoria would disrespect my parents.

Preston would make excuses.

And I would spend years being asked to keep the peace.

I couldn’t do it anymore.

The Announcement That Stopped the Wedding

I walked toward the small stage where the musicians had been performing.

The wedding coordinator stepped aside when she saw my expression.

I picked up the microphone.

“May I have everyone’s attention, please?”

The music stopped.

Nearly two hundred guests turned toward me.

Preston began walking in my direction.

“Natalie, what are you doing?”

I looked directly at him.

“Something I should have done a long time ago.”

Then I faced the guests.

“My parents came here today to celebrate one of the happiest moments of my life. Instead, they were humiliated in front of people who should have welcomed them.”

Victoria crossed her arms.

“Oh, Natalie, don’t be so dramatic.”

I continued.

“My parents worked hard their entire lives. They taught me honesty, kindness, and respect. They never measured anyone’s worth by their bank account.”

I paused.

“Today, I learned that the man I was about to marry doesn’t share those values.”

Preston’s face turned pale.

“Natalie, please.”

“This wedding is canceled.”

A wave of shocked whispers spread across the terrace.

Victoria stepped forward.

“Do you have any idea what you’re throwing away? Women would give anything to marry into this family.”

I looked at her.

“And Victoria, before you call my family poor again, there’s something you should know about the people keeping your company alive.”

She laughed.

“What could someone like you possibly know about our business?”

I took my phone from the small bridal handbag beside the microphone.

Then I called my attorney.

The Phone Call Victoria Never Expected

Caroline Ashford answered on the second ring.

“Natalie, is everything okay?”

“The wedding is off,” I said. “And I want to make sure the Bellingham refinancing review proceeds without any further delay.”

Caroline paused.

“The independent auditors confirmed the disclosure discrepancies this morning. We have sufficient documentation to issue the formal notices under the loan agreements.”

“Then proceed according to the agreements. Notify the relevant lenders and the company’s legal counsel.”

“I’ll take care of it. I’m still at the venue if you need me.”

Caroline had been invited as a longtime family friend.

She was sitting among the guests, wearing a simple dark green dress.

When I ended the call, she stood and approached the stage carrying a slim leather folder.

Victoria watched her suspiciously.

“What exactly is happening?”

Caroline introduced herself.

“I’m Caroline Ashford, legal counsel for the Mercer Family Investment Trust.”

Harrison Bellingham, Preston’s father, stepped forward.

His expression changed when he heard the name.

“The Mercer trust?”

Caroline nodded.

“Yes, Mr. Bellingham. Your company has received previous requests for supporting financial information. Our review has now confirmed several material discrepancies.”

Harrison looked at me.

“Natalie, you’re connected to the Mercer trust?”

“I’m one of its authorized investment representatives.”

Victoria frowned.

“What does that have to do with us?”

Caroline opened her folder.

“The trust is a significant creditor of Bellingham Hospitality Group. Under the existing financing agreements, the confirmed disclosure issues require additional review before certain approvals can proceed.”

Harrison’s face lost its color.

“Are you talking about Monday’s refinancing?”

“Yes,” Caroline answered. “The $85 million transaction cannot proceed on its current timetable without resolving these matters and obtaining the required approvals.”

For the first time all afternoon, Victoria stopped smiling.