Chapter 3: Three Months Later
Autumn arrived in Charleston.
Megan had moved into a small apartment overlooking the harbor.
The first month had been brutal.
Every wedding photo, every invitation, every honeymoon reservation had become a painful reminder.
Then one afternoon, somebody knocked on her door.
Natalie stood outside.
Lily stood beside her.
“Can we come in?”
Megan hesitated before nodding.
The women sat awkwardly at the kitchen table.
Natalie spoke first.
“I never wanted to destroy your life.”
Megan gave a sad smile.
“You didn't.”
Natalie looked confused.
“Daniel did.”
Lily carefully placed her stuffed rabbit onto Megan's lap.
“My mommy cries a lot.”
Megan laughed softly.
“Mine did too.”
For the first time since the wedding disaster, all three of them smiled.
Natalie then shared another truth.
“I've officially filed for divorce.”
Megan nodded.
“Good.”
Natalie reached into her purse.
“There was something else you should know.”
She slid a folder across the table.
Inside were messages between Daniel and Maureen.
One text made Megan's stomach turn.
Maureen had written:
Don't tell Megan about Natalie. Once you're married, she'll never leave.
Megan sat speechless.
The betrayal was bigger than she ever imagined.
Natalie quietly said, “I thought you deserved the whole truth.”
Megan closed the folder.
“Thank you.”
The anger she'd carried for months slowly transformed into relief.
May you like
Because the nightmare finally had an ending.
And it no longer belonged to her.
