Chapter 6 - The Signature Julian Used
Cedar Grove emailed the document.
My name appeared at the bottom.
Michael Carter.
The signature looked close enough to fool someone rushing.
But it was not mine.
I had spent eleven years signing financial documents.
I knew every angle of my own name.
Julian had forged it.
The authorization allowed him to request upgrades and approve charges against the deposit account.
Suddenly the total made more sense.
The upgraded champagne.
The imported orchids.
The late-night food station.
The extra photography package.
Julian had been adding luxury because the venue believed I authorized it.
“How much has he added?”
I asked.
The event manager hesitated.
“Approximately twenty-six thousand dollars beyond your original package.”
I closed my eyes.
My $110,000 had not even been the real number.
The current wedding total was closer to $190,000.
I sent everything to Marisol.
She replied immediately.
Do not communicate with Julian about the signature.
I followed her advice.
Cedar Grove suspended Julian’s authority.
Only I could approve changes now.
I approved none.
At 4:58 p.m., the venue balance remained unpaid.
At 5:03, Cedar Grove emailed all parties.
SERVICES SUSPENDED PENDING PAYMENT.
Julian called thirty seconds later.
I let it ring.
Then Dad.
Mom.
Chloe.
Aunt Caroline.
Finally, Julian left a voicemail.
“You think this is funny?”
“You’re sick.”
“You always hated that I had friends.”
“You hated that Chloe chose me.”
“You’re trying to punish me because you’re alone.”
I listened twice.
Not because it hurt.
Because it was evidence.
He never mentioned the forged signature.
He knew better.
Then another voicemail arrived.
Dad.
“Michael, I don’t know what game you’re playing.”
“But if you destroy this wedding, do not expect to be welcome in this family again.”
That threat used to terrify me.
Family exile.
The ultimate punishment.
Then I realized something.
What exactly was I being exiled from?
Requests for money?
Mockery?
Being called selfish when I hesitated?
Being treated as unmarried storage for everyone else’s emergencies?
Maybe exile was not punishment.
Maybe it was a refund.
At 6:20, Chloe called again.
This time, her voice sounded different.
Not angry.
Scared.
“Michael.”
“What?”
“Julian told Cedar Grove Dad is paying tomorrow.”
“Is he?”
“I don’t think so.”
“Why?”
May you like
She hesitated.
“Because your father just asked my father for fifty thousand dollars.”
