The wedding day arrived. It was held in a large cathedral filled with socialites, politicians, and reporters Julian had paid to cover “The Wedding of the Beggar and the Princess.” Julian stood at the front, delighted with his masterpiece.
When the doors opened, I walked in wearing a simple white dress, tears streaming down my cheeks. I could hear people laughing and insulting me.
At the end of the altar, stood the man I was going to marry. His name was Lando.
He was wearing a very dirty, torn, and sewer-smelling suit. His hair was long and messy, and his face was covered in a thick beard and soot. He was trembling and hunched over, like a dog accustomed to being beaten on the road.
“My God, that’s disgusting! The groom smells like a trash can!” Julian’s new bride shouted, and the entire church burst into laughter.
When I reached the altar, I looked at Lando. I expected to see someone naive, but I was surprised when our eyes met. Underneath the soot and tousled hair, his eyes were fearless. They were sharp, calm, and burning with a quiet power.
The Explosion of the Altar
The ceremony began. As the priest read the words, Julian laughed nonstop in the background.
“Before I pronounce you husband and wife,” said the priest, “is there anyone who objects to this marriage?”
“I object.”
A deep, cold, and resonant voice broke through the deafening laughter inside the cathedral. It didn’t come from the guests. It came from the beggar standing in front of me. From Lando.
Julian frowned. He quickly stood up from his chair. “Hey, you famished! What are you doing?! I paid you ten thousand to follow the script! Go ahead with the wedding!”
But Lando didn’t budge. He slowly raised his hands. In front of hundreds of guests and media, he took off his messy and dirty wig. He removed the fake beard that was stuck to his face. He took a wet handkerchief from his pocket and wiped the soot from his cheeks and forehead.
Everyone gasped. Even I recoiled in shock.
The filthy beggar disappeared. What emerged from under the rags was a very handsome, elegant, and feared face throughout the world of business and investment.
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