Chapter 2
I stared at the screen while the ballroom disappeared around me.
Grandmother's Estate.
Beneficiary Transfer.
My name.
And beneath it, a signature I had never written.
For several seconds, I couldn't move.
Then I heard Vanessa shout.
"That document is private!"
Marcus turned toward her.
"Private because it belongs to my wife, or private because you didn't want her to see it?"
Vanessa froze.
My mother slowly sat down.
Her hands were trembling.
I looked at Marcus.
"Where did you get that?"
He reached for me.
"Yesterday, the wedding coordinator forwarded the boutique email. I started asking questions."
I frowned.
"Questions about my grandmother?"
He nodded.
"The boutique sent an invoice showing your original gown was collected using authorization from Vanessa. When I confronted the family attorney listed on the payment records, he mentioned another authorization bearing your name."
My stomach tightened.
"What payment records?"
Marcus hesitated.
"Your grandmother left money designated for your wedding."
I stared at him.
"No."
He squeezed my hand.
"Nia—"
"No. Mom told me Grandma's savings were used for medical bills."
My voice cracked.
"She said there was nothing left."
Diane covered her mouth.
Vanessa stepped forward.
"Marcus is twisting everything!"
I turned toward her.
"Then explain the signature."
She looked at the screen.
Then at our mother.
"Mom?"
Diane didn't answer.
I felt something cold settle in my chest.
"Mom, did Grandma leave me money?"
My mother lowered her eyes.
For twenty-eight years, I'd known that expression.
It meant she was searching for an explanation that would protect Vanessa.
"Nia, sweetheart, this isn't the place."
I laughed bitterly.
"Apparently, neither was my wedding day."
Guests watched in stunned silence.
I could hear someone whispering near the front table.
Then Aunt Lorraine stood.
She was my grandmother's younger sister.
And the only relative who had consistently defended me growing up.
"Diane," she said sharply, "answer your daughter."
My mother looked frightened.
"Aunt Lorraine, please."
Lorraine stepped forward.
"Did you tell Nia about the trust?"
My heart began pounding.
"The what?"
Lorraine looked at me.
Her face filled with sadness.
"Oh, baby."
I felt my knees weaken.
Marcus steadied me.
"A trust?" I whispered.
Lorraine nodded.
"Your grandmother established one for both granddaughters."
I looked toward Vanessa.
She was staring at the floor.
"Both?"
"Yes."
I swallowed.
"Then why didn't I know?"
Lorraine turned toward Diane.
"That's the question your mother needs to answer."
Vanessa suddenly grabbed her handbag.
"I'm leaving."
Marcus stepped aside.
"You're free to leave. But the documents aren't disappearing."
She stared at him.
Then she looked at me.
For one second, I expected an apology.
Instead, she whispered, "You always have to ruin everything."
Something inside me broke.
"No, Vanessa."
My voice was quiet.
But everyone heard.
"You took my dress. You tried to embarrass me. And now I'm discovering you may have taken money Grandma left for me."
Her expression hardened.
"You have no idea what you're talking about."
"Then help me understand."
She said nothing.
I looked at my mother.
"Please tell me this isn't true."
Tears filled Diane's eyes.
"I was trying to protect this family."
I felt sick.
"From what?"
She looked toward Vanessa.
Then away.
Marcus touched my shoulder.
"Nia, we don't have to solve everything tonight."
I looked at him.
He was right.
Our guests had come to celebrate our marriage.
Not witness my family's secrets.
I took a deep breath.
Then I reached for the microphone.
My hands trembled.
"Everyone, I'm sorry."
Marcus gently shook his head.
"You have nothing to apologize for."
I looked at our guests.
He was right.
I hadn't done anything wrong.
So I began again.
"Thank you for being here to celebrate our wedding. Some unexpected family matters have come to light, but Marcus and I are still very happy to be married."
Several guests applauded.
I smiled through my tears.
"We're going to take a short break. Please enjoy dessert."
The band began playing softly.
Marcus guided me toward a private room.
My best friend, Jasmine, hurried behind us.
She helped me change into a simple cream-colored reception dress she'd brought as a backup.
When I emerged, Marcus was waiting.
He stood immediately.
"You look beautiful."
I burst into tears.
He wrapped his arms around me.
"I'm sorry," I whispered.
"For what?"
"For all this."
He lifted my chin.
"Nia, look at me."
I did.
"I married you. Not your sister. Not your mother's approval. You."
I cried harder.
He kissed my forehead.
"We'll handle this together."
I wanted to believe him.
But I couldn't stop thinking about Grandma.
She had died three years earlier.
She was the person who taught me to sew.
Who helped me with college applications.
Who told me I should never make myself smaller to keep other people comfortable.
And now I was discovering she'd left something for me that I never received.
I looked at Marcus.
"How much money?"
He hesitated.
"I haven't verified everything."
"Marcus."
He took a breath.
"The trust schedule lists two million dollars in assets."
I stared at him.
"Two million?"
"Divided between you and Vanessa under specific terms."
I sat down.
My grandmother had worked for forty years building a successful catering company.
I knew she'd saved carefully.
But I never imagined the estate was worth that much.
Marcus continued.
"Your share appears to have been held until you reached twenty-five."
My heart pounded.
"I turned twenty-five three years ago."
He nodded.
"That's why we need an independent attorney."
Then my phone vibrated.
A message from Vanessa.
I opened it.
The words made my stomach tighten.
YOU SHOULD HAVE KEPT QUIET. MOM WILL LOSE EVERYTHING NOW.
May you like
Before I could respond, another message arrived.
AND IF YOU WANT TO KNOW WHY, ASK HER WHAT HAPPENED TO GRANDMA'S HOUSE.
