Five years ago.
Meghan
The bridal suite was impossibly warm, though the morning air outside was crisp with the promise of autumn. Inside, the room was bustling with activity: the soft hum of a steamer smoothing out my veil, the rustling of silk and tulle, and the faint clink of Teresa’s jewelry as she sorted through the finishing touches for me.
Chloe leaned over my shoulder, carefully fastening a pearl earring to my left ear. “There,” she said, stepping back to examine me. “Now you’re perfect.”
Perfect.
The word settled over me like the weight of my dress—too heavy, too tight, suffocating. I forced a smile and adjusted the bouquet of lilies in my lap, their white petals brushing against my fingers. The scent was overwhelming, cloying even, but I didn’t say anything.
“How does she l
