The Heiress They Hated

CHAPTER 7 : The Wedding

Three months later.

Alami Vineyard. Sunset.

White flowers. 300 guests.

And me. In a dress Grandma would have loved.

Ivory. Simple. No diamonds. Just her necklace.

Are you nervous Emma asked, fixing my veil.

No I smiled. For the first time, I am not.

The doors opened.

And there he was.

Rayhan.

In a black tux. Eyes only on me.

Adam was the ring bearer. In a tiny suit.

Holding a pillow with two rings.

When I reached the altar, Rayhan took my hands.

You look like a dream he whispered.

You look like the man who saved my life I whispered back.

The priest started.

Dearly beloved.

That is when the doors at the back opened.

Gasps.

A woman in a wheelchair.

Old. Frail. But eyes sharp.

Selena grabbed my arm. Oh my God.

It was her.

MARGARET ALAMI

Rayhan's grandmother. Declared dead 10 years ago.

She rolled down the aisle. Stopped in front of us.

Continue she said to the priest. Do not stop for me.

Rayhan's face went white.

Grandma. You are alive.

Margaret looked at me. Then at Rayhan.

I am sorry I missed it all. Cancer. Hiding. Daniel lied to everyone.

But I am here now. And I approve.

She took my hand.

You are the daughter I never had Layla.

You saved this family.

Tears. Everywhere.

The ceremony continued.

I now pronounce you husband and wife.

Rayhan kissed me.

Not a fake kiss. Not a business kiss.

A real one. Forever.

At the reception, Adam was running with other kids.

Selena was dancing.

And I was finally happy.

Until my phone buzzed.

UNKNOWN. Nice wedding. Shame about the groom.

A photo attached.

Rayhan. From 10 minutes ago.

Talking to a man in a suit.

Handing him an envelope.

My blood froze.

I looked up.

Rayhan was gone.

I found him in his office.

On the phone. Angry.

He hung up when he saw me.

Layla.

Who was that I held up the photo.

He sighed. Rubbed his face.

A private investigator.

I hired him 2 months ago.

Why.

Because of Victoria's letter. He looked at me. About Paris.

I needed to know who the woman was. Who set me up.

My heart stopped.

And.

He pulled out a file.

Pictures. Documents.

The woman's name is Clara. She works for Daniel Kazan.

She was paid 2 million to sedate me and take photos.

I never touched her. I never cheated.

He paused.

But Layla. There is something else.

About Adam.

The room spun.

What about Adam.

Rayhan knelt in front of me.

The DNA test. From when he was born.

Victoria faked it. To make you think he was mine.

The world went silent.

What do you mean. My voice broke.

I mean. He took my hands. Adam is not biologically mine.

But he is my son. In every way that matters.

I have raised him. I love him. Nothing changes.

Tears fell.

Then who. Who is his father.

Rayhan hesitated.

The report says. The father is listed as JOHN DOE.

But the hospital records were altered by Victoria.

I think. I think she knows who it really is.

And she is going to use it against us.

Outside, fireworks started.

Our wedding.

And inside, our biggest war was just beginning.

Chapter 10 The Real Father

Wedding night. Ruined.

I was sitting on the floor of our hotel suite.

Dress still on. Makeup running.

Rayhan was next to me. Not touching.

Giving me space.

Say something he finally said.

My son is not yours I whispered.

My husband kept it from me on our wedding day.

I know he said quietly. I am sorry.

I looked up at him. Angry. Hurt.

How long did you know.

2 weeks. Since the PI found the hospital files.

He ran a hand through his hair. I was going to tell you after the wedding.

I did not want to ruin it.

I laughed. Bitter.

You ruined it anyway.

Silence.

Then my phone rang.

UNKNOWN NUMBER

I answered.

Congratulations on your wedding Victoria's voice. From prison.

How is my nephew.

What do you want. I spat.

I want a deal. She sounded calm.

You drop all charges against me. You get me a new trial.

And I will tell you who Adam's father is.

Rayhan grabbed the phone.

You are not getting a deal Aunt. You are going to rot.

Victoria laughed. Then you will never know.

And neither will Adam.

Clock is ticking Layla. 24 hours.

She hung up.

I stared at Rayhan.

We are not making a deal with her.

I know. He pulled me to him. We will find out ourselves.

At 6am, we were at Alami Tower.

In the archives. Going through 10 years of hospital records.

Selena walked in with coffee.

Anything.

Nothing I said. Victoria deleted everything.

Selena hesitated.

There is one person who might know.

The old nurse. Mrs Reyes. She retired 3 years ago.

She was on duty the night Adam was born.

Rayhan was already grabbing his keys.

Where does she live.

2 hours later. A small house. Outside the city.

Mrs Reyes. 70 years old. Eyes full of tears when she saw us.

I have been waiting for you she said.

Do you know who Adam's father is I asked.

She nodded. Pulled out an old journal.

I was not supposed to keep

I laughed. Bitter.

You ruined it anyway.

Silence. Only the sound of fireworks outside.

Then my phone rang.

UNKNOWN NUMBER

I answered.

Congratulations on your wedding Victoria's voice. From prison.

How is my nephew.

Victoria laughed. That cold laugh I remembered from 3 years ago.

Then you will never know.

And neither will Adam.

Clock is ticking Layla. 24 hours.

She hung up.

I stared at Rayhan. My hands were shaking.

We are not making a deal with her.

I know. He pulled me to him. We will find out ourselves.

I swear to you Layla. We will.

At 6am, we were at Alami Tower.

In the archives. Basement level 4.

Going through 10 years of hospital records.