Brenda’s wedding preparations had turned into a grand production. She booked a sprawling estate, complete with sprawling gardens, a glass-ceiling ballroom, and enough florals to rival a royal event. The guest list was a who’s who of the city, curated to perfection, and the media presence was carefully coordinated.
“This is more than a wedding,” Brenda told Ryan, adjusting Caleb’s bowtie during a photo shoot. “This is our moment to show everyone that we’re the perfect family.”
Ryan gave her a faint nod, his thoughts elsewhere. Caleb giggled as Brenda posed with him, oblivious to the tension between his parents. Ryan’s jaw tightened as he watched Brenda orchestrate every detail with obsessive precision.
“You’ll smile for the photographers tomorrow, won’t you?” Brenda asked sweetly. “They need to see how happy we are.”
Ryan didn’t respond, sipping his drink instead. His stomach churned at the idea of standing before a crowd, pretending this was what he wanted.
Meanwhile, Amelia sat in her living room, her hands trembling as she scrolled through social media. Each photo of Brenda and Ryan—smiling, holding Caleb—was another blow. The caption on one post read, “The happy couple: One day until forever.”
Her chest tightened as she stared at the images. Had Ryan ignored her message on purpose? Was she really that easy to forget?
Debby’s small voice broke the silence. “Mom?”
Amelia quickly closed her laptop and turned to her daughter. “What is it, sweetie?”
“Do you miss Dad?” Debby asked, her expression curious but gentle.
The question felt like a knife twisting in her heart. Amelia swallowed hard, forcing a calm tone. “I miss the way things used to be,” she admitted softly.
Debby tilted her head. “Do you think he misses us?”
Amelia’s throat tightened. She thought of the message she’d sent Ryan—the one he never responded to—and how he’d chosen Brenda instead. Her chest felt hollow.
“I don’t know,” she said finally, her voice barely above a whisper. She pulled Debby into a hug, burying her face in her daughter’s curls. “Let’s get you ready for bed, okay?”
Debby nodded, skipping off to brush her teeth. Amelia remained seated, staring blankly at the closed laptop. It felt as though a chapter of her life had ended, and she wasn’t sure how to turn the page.