Chapter 6 - The Exit
Nathan turned his back on the kneeling old man, wrapping his arm around Meredith’s shoulders.
"Let's go home, sweetheart," Nathan whispered softly into her ear, his touch warm and gentle against her skin. "Your dress is ruined, and this room smells like cheap ambition."
Meredith looked back one last time at her family. Allison was sobbing hysterically on the floor, her intricate white lace wedding dress crumpled in a heap among spilled wine and broken glass. Her mother sat frozen in shame as guests began gathering their belongings and rushing for the exits to avoid being associated with the ruined Campbell name.
Meredith felt a deep, profound sense of release wash over her heart. The five years of quiet endurance, the late nights studying financial spreadsheets, and the pain of being rejected by her own flesh and blood were finally over.
Hand in hand, Meredith and Nathan walked down the central aisle of the grand ballroom. The dark-suited security team cleared a path through the crowded room, while high-society members bowed their heads in quiet respect as the real power of Boston passed by.
They stepped out of the hotel lobby into the cool, crisp Boston night air. A long, sleek black Maybach sedan sat idling at the curb, its doors held open by a uniformed chauffeur.
Nathan helped Meredith into the plush leather back seat, sliding in right beside her. As the door clicked shut, sealing out the noise of the city, Nathan pulled her into his arms, resting his chin on her head.
May you like
"You were magnificent in there, Mrs. Vance," Nathan murmured softly.
"I had a very good partner," Meredith smiled, resting her face against his chest.
