I managed to pull myself together and called a lawyer. It was time to put things in motion, and I wasn’t going to let Michael get away with this. I was nine months pregnant, but I wasn’t powerless. I explained everything to the lawyer, and we quickly crafted a game plan.

Meanwhile, my father stayed at the venue, keeping an eye on everything. He was my eyes and ears, ready to spring into action when the time was right.

After hanging up with the lawyer, I called my best friend, Rachel. “I need a ride,” I told her. My voice was more steady now, fueled by anger and purpose.

Within minutes, she was at my doorstep, her eyes wide with concern. “Are you sure about this, Claire?” she asked, helping me into the car.

“Absolutely,” I replied, determination lacing every word. “He needs to know he can’t walk all over me and think he’s getting away with it.”

As we drove, I filled Rachel in on the entire situation. Her hands gripped the steering wheel tightly, her knuckles white with rage on my behalf. “We’ll make sure everyone knows what kind of man he really is,” she said fiercely.

We arrived at the venue just as the reception started. My father was waiting for us by the entrance, a grim expression on his face. “They just finished the ceremony,” he said, nodding toward the ballroom. “Are you ready?”

I nodded and took a deep breath. My father gave my shoulder a supportive squeeze. “Let’s do this,” he said.

We walked in together, pushing open the doors to the beautifully decorated ballroom. Faces turned toward us, curious and confused. I spotted Michael almost immediately, laughing and holding the hand of his new bride.

He looked up and saw me. His expression shifted from joy to shock, his face draining of color.

“Claire…” he started, but I cut him off.

“Don’t ‘Claire’ me, Michael. You think you can waltz in here and play happy husband while leaving your pregnant wife at home? You think I wouldn’t find out?” My voice was steady, carrying across the room. All eyes were on us now.

Gasps rippled through the crowd, whispers spreading like wildfire. The bride looked between Michael and me, her confusion turning into horror.

I continued, my voice unwavering. “I want everyone to know how you took $10,000 from your pregnant wife under false pretenses. How you lied and deceived not just me but everyone you know.”

Michael stammered, trying to explain himself, but it was too late. The damage was done. People were beginning to murmur, their judgments harsh and clear.

The bride turned on him, her face a mix of betrayal and anger. “Is this true, Michael?” she demanded.

I didn’t stay to listen to his excuses. I turned and walked out, my father and Rachel by my side, leaving the chaos behind.

I had shown up to ruin his day, and I had done exactly that. Now it was time to focus on me and my baby, to rebuild my life stronger than before.

Michael had made his choices, and I had made mine. As I stepped into the car, I felt a sense of closure. This chapter was over, but a new one was just beginning.