members distanced themselves from her and Vanessa.
Others apologized for trusting their story.
Their humiliation brought me no pleasure.
I simply refused to let their cruelty remain part of my life.
Six months later, James and I settled into our first home.
One Sunday, Catherine arrived carrying a beautifully wrapped present.
Inside was a framed wedding photograph.
I stood smiling beneath the cathedral windows, my replacement gown radiant in the afternoon light.
Catherine watched as I admired it.
“Any regrets, sweetheart?”
I shook my head.
“Only that I spent so
