Chapter 3: Family on the Edge

Everyone stared in stunned silence, broken only by someone clearing their throat in the corner.

No one expected my mother-in-law to actually say that. Months of planning, thousands spent—the wedding threatened to unravel in an instant.

There was no way I could come up with $70,000. My pockets held nothing but receipts, my bank account already bled dry. I felt sick.

But I couldn’t just leave Natalie. It wasn’t pride—I just couldn’t abandon her after everything.

My brother-in-law smirked. “Go on, leave. You don’t have the guts, do you?” He leaned against the wall, arms crossed, certain he’d won.

My anger surged. My fists curled so tight my nails bit into my palms.

Derek patted my shoulder. “Marcus, calm down.” His voice was steady, his touch grounding.

Two voices warred in my head—one urging me to walk away, the other reminding me the woman I loved was still waiting for me.

I’d never felt such humiliation and agony, not in 27 years. College rejections, bad breakups, dead-end jobs—none of it compared to this.

Natalie glanced between me and her mom, her face twisted with guilt, but she stayed silent.

My friends were helpless. They didn’t dare make the call for me.

Then a worried voice called from the door: “Marcus, why are you still here? Mom and Dad are worried sick!”

My sister had arrived. She stood in the doorway, breathless, coat half-buttoned and hair in a messy ponytail. She looked like she’d run from her car, worry etched deep in her brow.

She brought my four-year-old niece. The little girl clung to her mom’s hand, big brown eyes scanning the crowded room, clutching her stuffed bunny.

My niece squeezed through the crowd and jumped into my arms. “Uncle, Grandma called but you didn’t answer, so I came with Mom. Where are your glasses? Why is your face hurt?”

Her tiny hands traced the scratches on my cheek. I managed a smile for her, but inside, I felt like I was splintering.

Thinking of my family waiting for me to bring home the bride, my chest tightened. I pictured my parents at the new house, my mom straightening flowers, my dad pacing by the door. The weight of their hope pressed down on me.

I suddenly felt so sorry for them. Every disappointment and insult from the morning landed on my shoulders at once. My throat ached with unshed tears.

My sister’s face changed when she saw my wrecked suit and missing glasses. “What happened? How did you end up like this?”

She knelt beside me, voice shaking. I said nothing—couldn’t find the words with my niece’s arms around my neck and a roomful of strangers watching me fall apart.

My mother-in-law pretended to be busy with cookies, but her hands shook. Everyone looked away, suddenly fascinated by the family photos on the wall.

My sister frowned. “What’s going on?” She shot a look at Derek, who shrugged, then turned back to me, her expression softening.

The troublemaking brother-in-law yelled, “Ask your brother yourself! Who gets married without being blocked at the door and giving some benefits? Is your family just sore losers?”

He spat the words with a sneer, enjoying every minute of the chaos. The room seemed to shrink.