Chapter 13 - THE WEDDING TRAP
Thomas announced the wedding himself.
Every newspaper in Blackhaven carried the headline:
MIRABELLE HAYES TO MARRY RONAN VOSS.
It was a trap.
Everyone knew it.
But Mirabelle agreed.
The wedding would bring Thomas out.
The ceremony took place in an old cathedral.
Thousands watched from outside.
Inside, Mirabelle wore a simple white dress.
Ronan wore black.
He looked at her.
"You can still walk away."
"So can you."
"I won't."
"Neither will I."
The priest began.
Then the doors opened.
Thomas walked inside.
No guards.
No weapon.
Just a smile.
He walked toward the altar.
"You really thought I'd miss this?"
Ronan stepped forward.
Thomas laughed.
"Relax."
He held up a small envelope.
"Everything you want is inside."
Ronan took it.
Thomas whispered:
"Your father's confession."
Ronan opened it.
His face changed.
Mirabelle saw the first line.
I ordered Daniel Hayes killed.
Ronan's father.
The man had orchestrated everything.
But the next line was worse.
I did it because Ronan was not my son.
Ronan stopped breathing.
Thomas smiled.
"Now you understand."
Mirabelle looked at Ronan.
"Ronan?"
He couldn't answer.
Thomas whispered:
"Your mother had an affair."
Ronan stared at him.
"You."
Thomas nodded.
"I am your biological father."
Silence.
Ronan's entire world collapsed.
Thomas continued.
"Your father raised you because he believed blood didn't matter."
Ronan's eyes became murderous.
"But I wanted what belonged to me."
Thomas turned toward Mirabelle.
"And your family was always the price."
Suddenly, police sirens surrounded the cathedral.
Ronan looked at Thomas.
"You planned this."
Thomas smiled.
"Of course."
The cathedral doors burst open.
Federal agents entered.
Thomas raised his hands.
"You're all witnesses."
Mirabelle looked at Ronan.
He whispered:
"This isn't over."
Thomas smiled.
"No."
May you like
He looked directly at Mirabelle.
"It's just beginning."
