The sun was shining bright over the green lawn of the outdoor country club.
White flowers decorated the wooden arch where Sarah stood in her wedding dress.
Her heart was beating fast because this was the day she had dreamed of for years.
Mark looked handsome in his sharp grey suit as he stood beside her.
Mark: You look so beautiful today, Sarah.
Sarah: Thank you, Mark. I am so happy we are finally here.
The guests sat in neat rows of white chairs under the bright blue sky.
An American flag fluttered gently on a tall flagpole behind the altar.
Everything seemed completely peaceful and perfect on the outside.
But Sarah noticed her father was sitting in the front row looking very nervous.
David was holding his hands tightly together in his lap.
He kept looking over at Mark's father, Richard, who sat across the aisle.
Richard was a wealthy businessman who owned a big investment company in town.
He wore an expensive designer suit and held a thick leather folder in his lap.
Sarah: Is everything okay with my dad today?
Mark: Oh, he is just emotional about giving you away, honey.
Sarah tried to smile and believe her groom's comforting words.
She took a deep breath and looked back at the minister.
The music started to play softly through the small black speakers.
Minister: Welcome, dear friends and family, to this wonderful celebration.
The crowd became quiet as the minister opened his black book.
Sarah felt a cold shiver go down her spine despite the warm sunlight.
She looked down at her father again and saw his pale face.
David looked like he was hiding a heavy burden in his heart.
Sarah remembered how hard her dad had worked to save their family home.
Their small family business had faced financial trouble earlier that year.
Mark's family had offered to help with a temporary loan months ago.
Sarah had felt so grateful to Mark for helping her father keep his house.
She had trusted Mark completely with her family's trust fund paperwork.
Minister: We are gathered here to join these two people in holy matrimony.
Suddenly, Sarah heard a faint rustling noise near the front row.
Richard was standing up slightly and handing a paper to a man in a coat.
David raised his head quickly with a look of pure horror on his face.
David: Wait, what are you doing right now?
Richard: Just official business, David. Please remain seated.
The minister paused and looked up from his book in confusion.
Guests began to turn their heads and whisper among themselves.
Sarah felt her pulse racing as she stepped forward slightly.
Sarah: Dad, what is happening down there?
David: Sarah, they lied to us about the mortgage papers!
The crowd gasped as David stood up from his wooden chair.
Mark gripped Sarah's hand tighter, but his fingers felt icy cold.
Mark: Sarah, stay here. Do not make a scene in front of everyone.
Sarah: Mark, what is my father talking about?
Mark did not answer her question and looked away toward his father.
Sarah felt a sudden surge of fear grip her chest.
She looked around at the faces of her friends and family.
The perfect wedding ceremony was starting to fall apart in seconds.