Outside the office, guests whispered nervously in the church.
A wedding waited for a bride who no longer knew where she belonged.
Elise stepped inside and touched my shoulder gently.
“The guests are asking questions. What do you want to do?”
I looked at Julian.
Part of me wanted him to fix everything. To explain it away. To promise love could survive secrets this large.
But love built on hidden names and buried truths does not survive easily.
“I love you,” Julian whispered.
Tears burned my eyes because I loved him too.
Slowly, I removed my engagement ring.
Pain crossed his face, but he did not stop me.
“I don’t know who you are anymore,” I whispered.
“Yes, you do.”
“Not completely.”
My hands shook as I placed the ring in his palm.