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486words
I saw Brandon's story. A photo of a hospital room, Chloe's foot wrapped in bandages.
Caption: "Long night. Here for a friend."
The comments were full of "You're such a good guy!" and "Chloe is lucky to have you!" and "#FriendshipGoals."
I felt... nothing.
No jealousy. No anger. Just... empty.
Then I saw Sophia's story.
A photo of me from three years ago at Dolores Park, sun shining, laughing.
Caption: "To new beginnings. You deserve better, @EmilyCarter. And girl, you got better. "
I smiled and texted her.
"You posted that?"
"Hell yes I did! The world needs to know you upgraded."
"Harp..."
"What? It's a fact! Nathan Black is better than Brandon Scott all the time. Not just the bank account. The man looks at you like you hung the moon."
"Does he?"
"Girl. Everyone knows but you."
I bit my lip, typing:
"I married him today."
Three dots. Then:
"YOU ARE JOKING"
"EMILY MARIE CARTER"
"YOU MARRIED NATHAN BLACK AND DIDN'T TELL ME?!"
"I'M COMING OVER"
"Please come, see you at the wedding tomorrow. 2 PM."
"THERE'S STILL A WEDDING?!"
"Long story. I'll explain tomorrow."
"You better! God, I need a dress. Wait. What's the dress code? Please tell me it's not that ugly bridesmaid dress Brandon picked out."
I laughed out loud.
"Definitely not. Just wear something gorgeous. At Nathan's place."
"His place. Jesus Christ, Emily. You really upgraded."
Yeah.
I guess I did.
The next day, 1 PM.
I stood in front of the mirror, looking at myself.
It was a Monique Lhuillier gown, simple but elegant, in ivory silk.
Not the dress Brandon and I designed—the one Chloe ruined—but a new one. One that felt like... me.
Sophia stood behind me, eyes red.
"You look freaking amazing."
"Language," Mom said, but she was wiping tears too.
"I can't believe this is happening," I said. "Yesterday I was marrying Brandon, and today..."
"Today you're marrying the right guy," Sophia said firmly.
"Big difference."
A knock on the door.
Dad poked his head in.
"Ready? princess?"
I took a deep breath.
"Yeah. I'm ready."
Nathan's estate in Woodside sat high on a hill, overlooking the entire Bay Area.
The wedding was set up in the backyard.
Simple but breathtaking—string lights between ancient oaks, white roses and hydrangeas everywhere, with a small arch facing the valley.
It was an intimate wedding, maybe fifty people.
Only the people who actually mattered.
Michael handed me a glass of champagne. "Nervous?"
"Terrified," I admitted.
"Don't be. The man inside?" He pointed toward the house. "He's been preparing for this moment for six years."
Music started. It was Pachelbel's Canon.
Dad linked his arm with mine. "You sure, baby girl?"
I looked toward the arch.
Nathan stood there. Dark gray suit, with white rose boutonniere. The way he looked at me...
God.
Like I was the only person on Earth.
"Yeah, Dad. I'm sure."
