The church was packed with people who attended funerals for influence and weddings for gossip. White roses lined the aisle. A string quartet played beneath stained-glass windows. My mother stood at the altar in ivory silk, glowing like a queen who had stolen her crown. Babyshower planning
Daniel stood beside her, looking younger, sharper, and hungrier.
He was wearing my father’s cufflinks.
That almost broke me.
Almost.
Vivian saw me first. Her smile widened.
“Claire,” she called. “How brave of you to come.”
Daniel leaned toward her and whispered something. They both laughed.
I kept walking.
In my hand was the velvet box.
Guests turned. Phones lifted. My mother raised her chin, enjoying what she thought was my humiliation. Babyshower planning
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