Chapter 1: The Smear

At the marriage license office, the clerk leaned forward, her voice dropping to a conspiratorial whisper that carried just far enough:

"Mr. Grant, just checking—are you sure you know everything about Miss Reed? The system says she’s had a couple marriages and, uh, some other stuff. Just wanted to make sure you’re not surprised."

My heart hammered as I tried to process her words. I felt the backs of my thighs stick to the cheap plastic chair, the air suddenly heavy, and even the faded American flag in the corner looked like it was drooping in shame. The clerk—Tanya Simmons, according to her badge—didn’t stop. She leaned in a bit closer, her voice syrupy-sweet but sharp enough to slice me open:

"And according to the system, her premarital checkup showed syphilis and gonorrhea, plus a history of six abortions. Are you sure you want to marry her, knowing all this?"

Her words cut through the buzzing fluorescent lights, and I could feel every eye in the DMV-style waiting room land on me. My hands trembled in my lap; a hot wave of embarrassment flushed my cheeks as I fought back the sting of tears. I could practically hear the guy in the corner pause his music just to listen. For a moment, the whole office held its breath—waiting for the bomb to go off.