Chapter 4 - WHY LUCAS FEARED THE BALLROOM CAMERA
The reception venue had cameras almost everywhere.
Not inside private dressing rooms, obviously.
But corridors.
Service entrances.
Loading areas.
Ballroom entrances.
Main floor.
The hotel used them for security and liability.
After Lucas mentioned the house, I did not confront him again.
That surprised him.
It surprised me too.
Instead, I walked toward the venue manager.
“My name is Richard Hale. I’m the groom’s father.”
He smiled.
“Of course, Mr. Hale.”
“I need you to preserve tonight’s security footage.”
His smile faded.
“Was there an incident?”
“Yes.”
“What kind?”
I held up the glue bottle.
“Start with whatever camera covers table twelve.”
He stared at it.
“Okay.”
“And preserve everything from this morning too.”
“Why?”
“My son just told me there’s something on the footage he doesn’t want me finding.”
That changed the conversation.
The manager called hotel security.
Lucas saw us talking.
He came across the ballroom almost immediately.
“Dad.”
I turned.
“What are you doing?”
“Preserving footage.”
His jaw tightened.
“Over a stupid prank?”
“Was it?”
Sophia stood several feet behind him wearing a borrowed wrap around the damaged portion of her gown.
She looked furious.
And frightened.
Lucas lowered his voice.
“You’re destroying my wedding.”
“No.”
“You intentionally switched those chairs.”
“Yes.”
“So Sophia’s dress is damaged because of you.”
“No, Lucas. Sophia’s dress is damaged because Sophia put glue on a chair.”
“It was supposed to be a joke.”
“For Clara.”
He said nothing.
Then I asked:
“What house?”
His expression went blank.
“I don’t know what you’re talking about.”
“You said it thirty seconds ago.”
“I was upset.”
“What footage are you afraid I’ll see?”
“Nothing.”
“Then why are you worried?”
Sophia stepped forward.
“Richard, please. Can we not do this tonight?”
That was when I knew there was something real behind Lucas’s slip.
Because Sophia had never once asked me gently for anything.
I looked at both of them.
“You wanted Clara crying tonight.”
Neither answered.
May you like
“You may get your wish.”
Then I walked away.
