I blinked hard, refusing to let a single tear ruin my makeup. My voice was ice–cold as I said, “Dad didn’t die because of me. He
died because of you.
“You threw out the emergency heart medicine he kept for Grandma. Careless, right? You swore you’d replace it after work, but
instead, you went for tea with your friends.
“That night, Grandma had a heart attack. She tried calling you, but you didn’t pick up. Dad had no choice but to rush out to the
pharmacy. That’s when the car hit him.”
Mom’s face twisted in disbelief. “You’re lying. That’s not true–it was your fault he died.”
I let out a laugh–cold, sharp, and bitter. “How long are you going to keep lying to yourself? You think Grandma cut you off for no
reason?
“You’ve always been weak, ducking responsibility and pinning your screw–ups on everyone else. But making me your scapegoat?
That’s a new low, even for you.
“You hated me because it was easier than facing the truth. So, tell me, Mom–am I actually your daughter?”
Her face drained of color, and she crumpled to the floor, sobbing like her world was ending. “I’m sorry. I’m so sorry… It’s all my
fault…”
Henry chimed in, desperate, “Daphne, your mom and I both know we messed up. Please, just forgive us. This one time.
“Come back with us. Your wedding dress, our house–it’s all ready. If you come back, we can get married right away.”
Ray appeared at just the right moment.
“Shut up!” he snapped, his voice cutting through the room like a whip. “You really think you can steal my bride on our wedding
day? Where do you get the audacity?”
Before Henry could respond, Ray wrapped an arm around me, slow and deliberate.
The irony wasn’t lost on me. Henry used to pull this exact move with Betty, rubbing it in my face. Now the tables had turned, and
watching him squirm? It was almost funny.
“Honey,” I said, “I don’t want irrelevant people at our wedding.”
Ray smiled and tapped my nose. “Whatever you want, my love.”
With a flick of his hand, security showed up like magic, escorting Henry and my mom out of the venue and dumping them at the curb like yesterday’s trash.
In life, some people fade away like smoke, leaving nothing but a faint memory.
1/3
Chapter 10
+15 BONUS
And then there are the ones who stay–steady, unshakable, by your side for the rest of your days.
**
With my makeup flawless, my dress glowing, and the prettiest bouquet I’d ever held, I walked toward the most handsome man
I’d ever known–my husband.
Ray, always the picture of calm, looked a little shaken today. His usual steady vibe cracked, letting the raw emotions of the boy he
once was shine through. When his eyes met mine, they turned red with excitement.
Ignoring the teasing whistles and jokes from the crowd, Ray rushed toward me, grabbing my hand.
“Daphne, marrying you is the greatest blessing of my life.”
Under the officiant’s gentle words, Ray dropped to one knee, his dark eyes locked on mine. They were so full of love, I felt like I
might drown in them.
With a careful hand, he slid the ring onto my finger. “I love you. For this life and the next, you’ll always be my one and only.”
I blinked back tears, my heart full to bursting. Leaning in close, I whispered in his ear, “Ray, did I ever tell you I’ve fallen for you?
From now on, I’ll keep loving you more and more—just like you’ve always loved me.”
His eyes widened, pure joy lighting up his face, and for a second, I couldn’t breathe.
The crowd erupted in cheers as we kissed, sealing a love that was ours forever.
