I understood the shape of her pain.
I took a deep breath.
“You’re wrong, Vanessa.”
I looked at Sean, pale-faced, staring at her in horror.
I looked at the guests recording every word.
Then I looked at Vanessa.
“You didn’t make me lose anything.”
Her smile faltered.
“You didn’t make me lose anything.”
“You spent three years, millions of dollars, and your father’s memory turning yourself into the cruelest person in this courtyard,” I said. “You didn’t avenge him, Vanessa. You abandoned everything good he left in you.”
Her triumphant expression collapsed.
The officiant closed his book.
A bridesmaid set down her bouquet and walked away.
Guests rose row by row.
“You abandoned everything good he left in you.”
“All of you, sit down,” Vanessa ordered.
No one listened.
“What about the wedding?” Sean reached for her hand.
But she pulled away.
He stood alone, unwanted by both women he had betrayed.
