But slowly, I rebuilt.
I went back to school at night, earned my degree in architecture, and launched my own design firm. Emma grew up bright and bold, with her mother’s eyes and none of her cruelty. She saved me without knowing it.
I wasn’t whole, not really. But I was surviving.
The Invitation That Changed Everything
Then came the wedding invite.
It was from Stefan — my closest friend from way back, the guy who pulled me out of the house after Natalie left, who kept me sane. We’d drifted after he joined the army, but he’d always been like a brother.
“Getting married,” his note read. “Hope you and Emma can come.”
At first, I hesitated. Weddings still hurt. Too many memories. But Emma’s excitement won me over.
“There’ll be cake?” she asked, eyes wide.
“A big, fancy one,” I smiled.
“Well then,” she said, like it was obvious. “We should go.”
The venue was a picturesque seaside resort — soft white sand, breezy air, guests in linen and lace. Emma wore a yellow dress and held a flower I’d tucked behind her ear.
Everything felt peaceful. Almost right.
Until the ceremony began.
The Bride Lifted Her Veil… and My World Collapsed
As the music played and the guests rose, the bride appeared at the end of the aisle, veil covering her face. Stefan looked proud and nervous — the way any groom should.
Then he lifted her veil.
And I stopped breathing.
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