Chapter 9 - The Buzzing Phone
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The sudden buzzing sound cut through the heavy tension like a knife.
It was Daniel’s phone. The groom’s device was sitting next to his dinner plate, lighting up with a notification. Ordinarily, a text message during a tense confrontation would be ignored.
But this wasn't an ordinary text.
The screen flashed, displaying an image attachment sent from an anonymous number.
Adrian stood perfectly still, his hand wrapped securely around my waist. He didn't look surprised by the phone buzzing. In fact, the slight, dark smirk that touched the corner of his mouth told me exactly who had orchestrated the timing of that message.
Daniel frowned, annoyed by the interruption. He reached down and picked up his phone, swiping his thumb across the screen to open the message.
For three agonizing seconds, nothing happened.
Then, Daniel froze.
His entire body went rigid. The glass of water he was holding in his other hand slipped from his grip, shattering on the table and soaking the expensive lace tablecloth. His eyes widened to impossible proportions, staring at the glowing screen as if it were a venomous snake.
“Daniel?” Claire asked, reaching out to touch his arm. “Honey, what is it? What’s wrong?”
Daniel violently jerked his arm away from his new bride. He looked at Claire, his face twisting into a mask of pure, unadulterated disgust.
“Don't touch me,” Daniel breathed out.
“What?” Claire stammered, her perfect bridal facade cracking. “Daniel, you're scaring me.”
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Daniel slowly turned the phone around so Claire, my mother, and the entire front row of guests could see the illuminated screen.
“Claire...” Daniel whispered, his voice cracking with rage and heartbreak. “What the hell is this?”
