The Officiant Calls an Unwanted Intermission
“Please, everyone, hold,” the officiant said, his voice trembling as he lifted the ceremonial book.
All eyes flicked to Naomi, who stood rigid, the twins perched like startled birds in her arms.
She opened a slim folder, the leather crackle echoing through the marble courtyard.
“Your Honor, I have the paperwork,” she announced, sliding the documents onto the altar.
The guests leaned in, murmurs rising like a tide.
“These are the certified birth certificates,” Naomi continued, tapping the paper. “Both names list Roland Ashby as the father.
“And here is the judgment from the county court,” she added, pointing to a stamped verdict. “I filed a paternity suit in March 2021. The court affirmed his responsibility.”
Roland’s jaw tightened, his fingers white around the lapel of his tuxedo.
“You’ve been… absent,” Naomi said, voice low but fierce. “Five years of silence, and now you’re supposed to marry someone else?”
The bride‑to‑be, her face a mask of shock, swallowed hard, her hand clutching the veil.
“We have the evidence,” Naomi whispered, eyes never leaving Roland’s. “Now answer.”
Lawyer’s Desperate Suppression and a Shocking Playback
A sleek black suit appeared at the doorway, the lawyer’s polished shoes clicking against the stone.
“Ms. Ashby, you cannot—” he began, thrusting a glossy folder toward Naomi.
“Stop,” she snapped, slamming the folder shut. “You think you can bury this?”
She reached into her coat, pulling out a small, weather‑worn recorder.
“Ladies and gentlemen, listen,” Naomi said, pressing play.
The courtyard filled with Roland’s own voice, raw and unguarded.
“I’m sorry, Naomi,” he said, the tape crackling. “I never meant to— I’m scared. I’ll provide for the kids, but you have to understand I can’t… I can’t be… a part of this now.”
The sound stopped; a deafening silence settled.
