Chapter 4

The man held the loan agreement high for everyone to see. There, in black and white, was my name listed as the borrower, complete with my signature and fingerprint.

My head snapped toward Christopher.

I had hidden my phone, but clearly, he'd planned for that too. He'd already found another way to saddle me with millions of dollars in debt.

The guests immediately broke into an uproar.

"Wait, what's going on?" someone asked. "The Sterlings' future son-in-law owes 30 million dollars?"

"So, saving Mr. Sterling back then was just a calculated move? And marrying Annabelle was all about getting the family fortune, wasn't it?"

Another commented, "Marvin always seemed like such a decent guy. Who could've guessed he was a scumbag? 30 million dollars… What did he spend it on? Don't tell me he blew it gambling."

"Oh, that's not even the worst of it. I overheard the bridesmaids this morning saying he supposedly…"

Just then, the debt collectors stepped in front of me.

I shook my head. "You've got the wrong person. I never took out any loan."

James narrowed his eyes.

At the same time, Annabelle lifted her veil. "Dad, he's been drinking, gambling, and sleeping around. Are you seriously going to pretend none of this happened and go through with the wedding?"

Everyone there had witnessed the scandal surrounding me, the Sterlings' future son-in-law. No matter how hard James tried to contain it, there was no keeping it under wraps now.

James turned to me, his voice icy as he said, "Marvin, you've disappointed me. My daughter will not be marrying you."

I stood rooted to the spot.

Before I knew it, someone hurled wine and food at me. Then, the insults came from every direction, until all I could hear was the ringing in my ears.

"Marvin!" Mom cried out in despair.

Without missing a beat, Christopher rushed over from his seat and helped steady her. "Mrs. Shaw, I was on my way to pick you and Mr. Shaw up, but something came up.

"Calm down. There has to be some misunderstanding. Marvin has always been a good kid. He'd never hire escorts the night before his wedding or rack up gambling debts."

"Marvin Shaw!" Dad bellowed.

His eyes were bloodshot as he slapped himself over and over in front of hundreds of people. "What did I do to deserve this? I've spent my whole life trying to be an honest man, and this is what my own son becomes?"

"Dad!"

I grabbed his hands to stop and rubbed his back. "Dad, please. Just listen to me. Let me explain."

In the end, I hadn't escaped Christopher's trap. Was my wedding ring right? Was I going to drag my entire family down with me, only to end up dying in a dumpster?

I glared at Christopher. "Shut up! Don't you dare lie about me to my parents! Last night, you were the one who—"

"I… Fine. Maybe I spoke out of turn," Christopher cut in, putting on an innocent look.

Almost immediately, my coworkers sitting nearby jumped in to defend him.

"Marvin, how can you yell at Christopher like that? He was only trying to protect you."

"Exactly. Who else would've waited on you hand and foot, then taken the blame for everything you've done?"

"Enough with the excuses. Pay up!" one of the debt collectors barked.

I let out an exasperated laugh. "I've never borrowed a single cent from you. You don't get to throw around accusations without proof. So, where's your evidence?"

"And you…"

I pointed at Christopher and went on, "I hired escorts? I gambled? We grew up together, Christopher. You think a few words are enough to brand me for life? Where's your proof?"

Nearby, Annabelle frowned. Disgust was written across her face as she said, "I've called the police. You can explain yourself to the officers and your lawyer."

As soon as Dad heard that, he nearly dropped to his knees.

"Please, don't call the police. I'm begging you… Marvin worked so hard to get to where he is today. He's not this kind of person."

I grabbed his arm and held him back.

My eyes were bloodshot as I stared at Christopher.

"Where's your proof?" I repeated.

At that, Christopher snickered. He no longer bothered to keep up the act.

He turned to face the crowd and said indignantly, "Everyone, I've always considered Marvin family. But he lied to Mr. Sterling, dragged Annabelle's name through the mud, and did things no decent person ever should.

"Today, I'm going to do the right thing—even if it means exposing someone I once called family. Everyone deserves to know who Marvin really is."

Then, he mouthed the words at me. "You brought this on yourself."

Christopher smirked and pressed the button for the ballroom projector.

A moment later, footage from the hotel room filled the giant screen.

Christopher raised his chin smugly.

The next second, Dad clutched his chest and collapsed backward.