The room fell into stunned silence, whispers of disbelief rustling like dry leaves. My heart was heavy but unshaken—this was the finale to a symphony of lies, and I was ready to conduct it.
Karen lay on the floor, her bravado shattered, tear-streaked and trembling. Colton gripped my hand, voice cracking, “Anna, I—”
“Save it,” I cut in, steady and firm. “You made your choices, and so did I.”
Turning to the guests, I spoke clearly: “I’m sorry for the drama, but honesty matters—even today.”
The minister hesitated. “Anna, what do you want to do?”
I drew a deep breath. “This wedding is canceled. But the celebration? That stays.”
Gasps turned to murmurs as I smiled. “Let’s eat, drink, and celebrate freedom. Today is the first day of my new life.”
I walked away, veil trailing, leaving betrayal behind. As sunlight warmed my face, I felt lighter, ready to turn heartbreak into strength and write the next chapter on my own terms.
