Moments later, Caleb stepped onto the small stage with a microphone in hand. The emcee introduced him as the groom’s stepson — an odd title, considering the timeline, but no one seemed to question it.
He stood tall, calm, but I saw the tension in his shoulders.
“I’d like to say a few words,” he began, smiling politely. “Not just as Rowan’s brother, but as someone who’s known Arthur in… a few different roles.”
A few chuckles passed through the room.
Rowan beamed at him, but Arthur shifted in his seat.
Caleb continued. “I want to congratulate my sister and her… husband. Marriage is built on love, trust, and honesty. So tonight, I want to toast to that — honesty. And to make it personal, I have a question for the groom.”
The room quieted.
“Arthur,” Caleb said clearly, “how’s your ex-wife doing these days? Is she still waiting for the alimony checks?”
Gasps rippled through the crowd. A few people laughed nervously, thinking it was a joke.
Arthur’s face lost all color!
