Emma stood at the altar, her heart pounding as she gazed at her soon-to-be husband, Daniel. The church was filled with family and friends, all waiting for the moment they would exchange vows. The priest had just asked if anyone objected when a deep, trembling voice broke the silence.
“I’m against it!”
Gasps echoed through the church as an older man stood up from one of the back pews. His face was red with emotion, his hands trembling as he pointed at Daniel. Emma’s stomach dropped. Who was this man, and why was he objecting?
Daniel turned, his face darkening with anger. “Who are you?” he demanded.
The man stepped forward. “My name is Richard Lawson,” he said firmly. “And this man is not who he claims to be.”
A murmur spread through the guests. Emma’s father stepped forward, trying to defuse the situation. “Sir, I don’t know what this is about, but this is my daughter’s wedding. If you have something to say, please explain yourself.”
Richard took a deep breath. “Daniel Harris is a fraud. He is wanted in three states for identity theft and fraud. And more importantly, he was engaged to my daughter, Lisa. He took everything from her and then disappeared.”
Emma’s world spun. “What?” she whispered, looking at Daniel. But instead of denying it, Daniel’s face paled. His hands clenched at his sides, and for the first time, she saw fear in his eyes.
At that moment, the church doors burst open, and two police officers rushed in. “Daniel Harris, you are under arrest,” one of them announced, pulling out handcuffs.
The entire church erupted into chaos. Emma’s mother gasped, clutching her chest. The guests whispered in shock as the officers seized Daniel’s arms.
Daniel struggled. “This is ridiculous! I don’t know this man!” he shouted, but Richard pulled out his phone and showed the police officers pictures of Daniel—posing under a different name with another woman. The evidence was damning.
The officers didn’t hesitate. “You’re coming with us,” one said as they forced him toward the exit.
Emma felt like she was drowning. This man, the one she had planned to marry, was a liar. A criminal.
Richard turned to her, his expression softening. “I’m sorry, Miss. I know this must be painful, but I couldn’t let you fall into the same trap my daughter did.”
Tears welled in Emma’s eyes, but she straightened her back. “Thank you,” she whispered.
As Daniel was dragged away, Emma realized she had been saved from a terrible fate. The wedding was over, but her life was still hers. And in time, she would heal.
