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He turned to Amanda. "This is your fault. You need to apologize and make it right. Otherwise, no one can help you."
Just then, police rushed in.
"We got a call about attempted murder!"
They saw me. "Who did this?"
Amanda and the others froze.
Some couldn't even look up.
Amanda gripped Michael's arm, terrified.
Michael stepped forward.
"Officers, this is a misunderstanding. I've called an ambulance. We'll compensate the victim — any amount. Can we handle this privately?"
He was angry but still protective.
The officer was firm. "It's not up to you — or us. It's up to the victim. Everyone involved, come to the station."
Amanda panicked. "No! I'm getting married today! I can't go to the station!"
Michael hesitated. "Officer, today's our wedding day. My sister Jessica just flew in from Germany You've heard of her, right?"
The officer's expression softened.
"You're Jessica's brother? We know her. She's created jobs, donated to schools — she's a pillar of this community."
"And you let your wife do this?"
Michael coughed awkwardly.
"I just got here. It's a misunderstanding. My wife's sorry."
"My sister flew in right after chemo for this wedding. Can we please finish the ceremony first?"
The officer thought. "From what we know of your sister, she wouldn't tolerate this."
Michael sighed. "Then let me call her."
He dialed my number.
My phone rang in my pocket.
The ballroom went silent.
