At my sister-in-law’s wedding, my mother-in-law seated my husband’s mistress with the family. I didn’t cry or confront anyone. I just picked up my gift and walked out.

She had always mistaken silence for weakness.

Celeste tipped her head. “This is awkward.”

“Not for long,” I said.

I walked to the gift table.

My present sat among crystal boxes and silver envelopes, wrapped in ivory paper and tied with a black ribbon. Victoria had spent weeks boasting that I would bring “something tasteful.” By tasteful, she meant expensive. She had forgotten that I never gave gifts without knowing exactly what I was handing over.

I picked it up.

Daniel grabbed my wrist. “Elise, don’t do this here.”

I stared at his hand until he let go.

“No,” I said. “You already did.”

Then I walked out.