The mayor tried to ruin me at the altar—until the pastor spoke a single name that brought the entire ceremony to a halt

standing. Crossing her—even now, even as she lost control—meant social and financial ruin. I watched Councilman Harris stare at his shoes. I saw my bridesmaid Sarah cover her mouth and step back into the crowd.

They were going to let this happen.

“Julian,” I gasped. “Julian, help me up.”

My groom—the man who had promised to protect me—stood frozen. His continue reading …