“Stop bull:ying your poor sister!” my mother screamed as I stood beside my destroyed $7,800 wedding dress.

years before.

Mother knew exactly how deeply that remark would hurt.

But Catherine stepped forward.

“I believe my husband, Robert, would be honored.”

I smiled despite my tears.

“He already agreed.”

Patricia’s face contorted.

“You’re choosing strangers over your family?”

“No,” I replied. “I’m choosing people who treat me like family.”

Vanessa attempted to move past me.

“I’m telling James everything!”

“There’s no need,” came a voice.

James stood just outside the open door with our wedding coordinator.

He’d arrived after learning about the destroyed gown.

His expression was pale