Chapter 5 - The Confrontation at the Altar
Ethan was waiting for me at the altar, tears gleaming in his eyes.
He looked incredibly handsome in his classic black tuxedo.
When the General and I reached the steps, Ethan stepped forward.
"You look beautiful," Ethan whispered, taking both of my hands.
"I had a slight wardrobe malfunction," I whispered back, smiling.
General Sterling took his seat in the front row, directly across the aisle from my terrified family.
The minister began the ceremony.
It was supposed to be a moment of pure peace, but I could feel the hostile energy radiating from my father's side of the church.
Frank couldn't stand being bested.
Halfway through the minister’s opening prayer, my father abruptly stood up.
"This is a farce!" Frank announced, his voice echoing loudly.
The minister stopped talking.
The guests gasped, twisting in their seats.
"Dad, sit down," I said calmly from the altar.
"No!" Frank yelled, pointing a finger at me. "You are disrespecting us! You are disrespecting the sanctity of this wedding with this... this costume!"
"It is a United States military uniform, Mr. Davis," General Sterling said from his seat, not even turning his head.
"This is a family matter!" Frank barked, losing his temper entirely.
"Dad, you destroyed my dresses," I said loudly, letting the whole church hear the truth.
A collective murmur of shock rippled through the pews.
"You ruined them because you wanted to force me to cancel," I continued, feeling Ethan's grip tighten on my hand.
"You lied!" Tyler shouted, standing up next to my father. "She's lying! She just wanted attention!"
"Silence."
The word cracked like a whip.
General Sterling stood up and turned to face my father and brother.
"If either of you speaks another word and ruins my grandson's ceremony, I will personally ensure your company is liquidated by Monday morning," the General said.
Frank opened his mouth, but no sound came out.
"Sit. Down." the General ordered.
Defeated and humiliated in front of two hundred people, my father and brother slowly sank back into their seats.
May you like
The minister cleared his throat and continued.
For the first time in my life, my father was powerless.
