Chapter 3: The Aftermath
The days that followed were a whirlwind. The footage from the Whitmore Hotel became the top story across every major network and social media platform. The "Golden Child" narrative collapsed overnight. Madison, Preston’s bride, filed for an immediate annulment, citing the shock of his true character, and the wedding was completely dismantled in the public eye.
My parents tried to leverage their legal connections, but their reputation as untouchable elites had been shattered along with the menu board. They were ostracized from their firm and their social circles, forced to face the reality that their money couldn't buy their way out of this level of public scrutiny.
Sophie, meanwhile, was the one teaching me how to heal. She spent her days drawing pictures of sunshine and trees, never once mentioning the wedding. When I asked her if she was afraid, she simply hugged me and said, "I have you, Mommy. We’re safe now."
