“I know,” Emily said firmly. When Vincent slid the ring onto her finger, she felt a flash of disbelief. She’d expected Sophia to pull something, but Vincent’s unwavering stance took her by surprise. It’s over—everything’s finally over. Emily’s eyes glistened with tears. The priest’s voice resonated, “The groom may now kiss the bride…” Emily lowered her head, tears shimmering on her lashes. Vincent leaned in, kissing away the tear before it fell. Applause thundered through the church, and the priest laughed. “Go on, kiss her; she’s yours now.” Vincent didn’t hesitate, pulling Emily into a kiss. “You’re my wife, Emily. Finally.” Emily smiled through her tears. “Yes, I’m finally your wife.” Vincent turned with Emily still in his embrace, facing the crowd. “Emily and I are together now, and nothing will ever come between us again.” The guests watched, Meggie wiping tears of joy from her eyes. But Sophia wasn’t about to let things end on such a perfect note. Her face twisted with such fury that Emily almost didn’t recognize her. Had she not known Sophia so well, she wouldn’t have believed her cousin capable of such an ugly expression. Sophia marched right up to Meggie, snatching the handkerchief from her. “Why are you crying? Are you blind in your old age, unable to tell your own family from an imposter?” Sophia pulled Meggie closer to the stage and pointed up at Emily, dressed in her wedding gown. “Meggie, look closely. This woman… she’s nothing like your granddaughter-in-law!” Meggie started to reply, but Sophia ignored her, spinning to face the crowd. “Tell me, who here has a closer bond with Emily than me?” Sophia’s voice rose, clearly relishing the drama. “I’m her cousin. We grew up together, shared the same bed. I’d recognize my cousin even if she were nothing but ashes!” She stretched out her arm, pointing dramatically at the bride. “This woman is not Emily. She’s a fraud! Open your eyes and see the truth!” Emily’s tears had long dried. She stayed silent, watching Sophia put on her little performance. She wanted to see what Sophia’s last card would be, waiting for her to trip herself up. Vincent couldn’t stand seeing Emily attacked like this. Though she had shown remarkable restraint, he knew she didn’t want to mar their wedding day. Still, his eyes flashed with anger as he stepped forward, his hand resting protectively on Emily’s shoulder. “If you’re truly her cousin,” Vincent challenged, “then why didn’t you attend her funeral three years ago?” Caught off guard, Sophia scrambled for an excuse. “I was heartbroken!” Her voice became shrill as she addressed the guests. “Yes, I didn’t attend her funeral, but no one here knows how I suffered that day!” She wiped at her eyes, squeezing out a few more fake tears. “I couldn’t eat, couldn’t sleep—I had a fever of 104 degrees! Did any of you see that?” Covering her face as if wounded by grief, she whined, “I couldn’t even say goodbye. No one understands the pain I felt.” Her cries echoed through the room, but Vincent’s disdain was obvious. He raised an eyebrow, his tone laced with sarcasm. “Really? If you were so grief-stricken, why were you out at a nightclub the very next night, drinking and dancing?” Sophia’s face hardened. “So what if I went out? Just because my cousin passed away doesn’t mean I’m not allowed to go out!” “And,” she sneered, redirecting her anger at Emily, “I’m here today to expose this woman. Tell me, why are you impersonating Emily?” With a flourish, Sophia pulled out an envelope. “Look at this!” She shouted to the guests. “This is her passport!” “I had her investigated,” Sophia continued smugly. “Her passport says she’s Miranda, and her biological parents live in England. Everyone knows Emily’s mother died years ago. And didn’t you all hear? Emily herself died three years ago. So, tell me, how could a dead woman suddenly come back to life?” The guests began murmuring among themselves. At first, they’d all believed Emily had been a victim of lies and schemes, but this passport brought everything into question. “I mean, a passport can’t be faked, right?” someone whispered. “Is this really about money?” another muttered. “Maybe she’s after the Norman fortune.”“Sophia and her cousin were close. She wouldn’t just make this up…” As the whispers grew, Vincent went to defend her, but Emily squeezed his hand, giving him a reassuring look. She whispered, “Trust me, I’ve got this.” Vincent kissed her hand and nodded. “Remember, I’m right here with you.” Emily released his hand, stepping confidently to the front of the stage. “Everyone,” she began. The guests hushed, all eyes on her. “I want everyone here to listen closely,” she announced firmly. “I am Emily Carter. If you don’t believe me, I’m willing to take a DNA test, and I’ll stand by every word legally.” Her voice grew stronger. “And today, I’m here to expose the true nature of Sophia.”