The hall buzzed with voices, rising like a wave ready to crash. Guests leaned forward, some whispering furiously, others openly staring. Phones were raised, recording every second of the chaos.
Elena's throat felt dry. Her lips parted, but no sound came. She looked at Adrian, then at Alexander, her chest heaving as if she couldn't pull enough air into her lungs.
Alexander's eyes were sharp, cutting into her.
"Elena," he said firmly, his voice tight with control, "what is he talking about?"
She shook her head quickly. "I don't know. He shouldn't be here. He—" Her words tangled, useless.
Adrian took another step forward. "Don't lie to him. Not now. Not like this."
Elena's breath caught. "Adrian, stop."
His gaze softened for only a moment, the briefest flicker of the man she once knew. "You promised me, Elena. You swore we'd never let anyone come between us. Did you forget that?"
Gasps echoed again.
Alexander's hand tightened into a fist at his side. "This is ridiculous. Security!" His voice boomed through the hall.
Two men in black suits moved toward Adrian, but he didn't back down. His voice rose, stronger, heavier.
"She doesn't love you, Alexander. She never did. She's only here because she thinks it's safe."
The words hit Elena like a blow.
The guests murmured louder, their whispers sharp as knives.
Alexander stepped closer to her, his voice a low growl. "Tell me he's lying."
Elena's lips trembled. She wanted to speak, but her tongue felt heavy, tied down by years of buried memories.
Adrian's eyes stayed locked on her. "Tell him the truth, Elena. Tell him what we had. Tell him why you left me."
Tears pricked at the corners of her eyes. She shook her head, but the tears slipped anyway, betraying her.
The priest tried to calm the room, raising his hands.
"Please, let's—"
"Enough!" Alexander snapped, his voice cracking through the chaos. He turned back to Adrian. "You have no right to be here. Leave. Now."
But Adrian didn't move. His jaw clenched, his voice dropping low.
"I won't leave until she hears the truth. Until everyone hears it."
The words landed heavy, like thunder rolling in the distance.
Elena's heart stopped.
The truth.
Whatever he carried, whatever secret he had brought into this room—it wasn't going to stay hidden much longer.
And in that moment, she knew.
Her wedding wasn't just interrupted.
It was about to be destroyed.