“You’re still marrying him?” she asked. “After this?”
I smiled.
“Yes.”
Because they deserved to be caught inside the fire they lit.
The ceremony took place in a glass pavilion overlooking the ocean.
White roses everywhere. Chairs trimmed in gold. Josh stood at the altar flawless in his tux, wearing the confidence of a man who believed he’d escaped consequences.
Lily stood nearby, bouquet shaking slightly. She kept looking at me. I kept smiling back.
The vows were brief. The kiss was quick. My mother cried. My father raised a toast. Everything looked perfect.
Until the reception.
The lights dimmed for the slideshow.
People expected childhood photos. Engagement selfies. A love story.
Continue on the next page:
