"Mr. Henson pledges that if you agree not to pursue criminal charges, he will cover all follow-up medical expenses. Furthermore, he is willing to compensate each student one million dollars."
The atmosphere shifted. The parents hesitated. Seeing his opening, the lawyer struck while the iron was hot, smoothing over their anger with silver-tongued promises.
A settlement agreement was signed right there in the station.
As they walked out of the precinct, the crisis resolved, Caroline's fear evaporated. Arrogance slid back into place like a second skin.
She shot me a provocative glare. "Katherine Fox, don't think Dominic loves you just because you married him. In this life, you will never compare to me!"
"He's all yours."
I didn't bother looking at her baffled expression. I simply turned and walked away.
Whatever Dominic told his parents, it worked. The very next day, a lawyer arrived bearing the divorce agreement and the share transfer contract.
After confirming the compensation figures were correct, I signed my name with a flourish.
A month later, Dominic and I went to the Civil Affairs Bureau to finalize the divorce.
Caroline came along, of course. She cradled her lower belly, grinning like a Cheshire cat.
"Sister-in-law... oh, excuse me, *Miss* Fox." Mock sweetness dripped from her correction. "Dominic and I are getting married. You simply must come. He said it's going to be the most luxurious wedding of the decade, for me and the baby. He hopes you'll be there to witness it."
I took the invitation with a smile. "I wouldn't miss it for the world. I have a big gift to deliver, after all."
Three days later, I arrived at the wedding venue flanked by several burly bodyguards. As soon as we entered, I signaled them to disperse into the crowd.
Perhaps out of guilt, or perhaps because his obsession was finally being realized, Dominic had spared no expense. The wedding was extravagant.
The entire city was watching via livestream. Drones adorned with colorful ribbons circled overhead, capturing every angle of the spectacle.
They didn't know a few unauthorized drones had quietly joined the formation.
When Dominic's friends spotted me, they approached with ill-concealed smirks.
"Sister Katherine, what a rare guest. Are you here to bless the happy couple?"
"Honestly, you held Dominic hostage for years. We were all so worried for Caroline. Now that he's finally getting what he wants, it's truly a cause for celebration."
A faint, enigmatic smile curved my lips. "Is that so? It turns out I've been the villain all these years. Well then, today I must properly bless these star-crossed lovers."
They exchanged confused glances, uncertain how to interpret my tone.
Darkness swallowed the venue. A single beam of white light sliced through the gloom, illuminating Caroline. She stood in a pure white gown, feigning shyness and timidity as she walked down the aisle to swelling music.
Thunderous applause erupted as she reached Dominic. They embraced.
I watched his parents wiping tears of joy from their eyes. My thumb hovered over my phone screen.
*Enjoy this moment.* My fingers tightened. *Let's see how you handle what comes next.*
"Honored guests," the emcee's voice boomed. "Thank you for joining us to witness the union of Mr. Dominic Henson and Ms. Caroline Henson. They have weathered many storms to be here. Let us celebrate their journey—please, turn your attention to the big screen!"
The music reached a crescendo.
Like everyone else, I craned my neck in anticipation.
The massive screen flickered. A marriage certificate appeared.
When the photo came into focus, the blood drained from Dominic and Caroline's faces. His parents clutched their chests, swaying as if struck by a physical blow.
"Quick! Turn it off!" Dominic screamed.
