He Said the Divorce Was Temporary, So I Made It Permanent

Chapter 2

The wedding planner called the next day.

"Adrian said you know his taste better than anyone. He asked me to confirm a few things with you."

She sent me a rendering. White roses. Blue ribbons. A pale gold runner down the center aisle.

It was identical to our wedding three years ago. The processional was the same piano piece I'd chosen. Even the vow printed on the invitation was unchanged—except Sophie's name had replaced mine.

"What about the ring?" I asked.

After a moment's hesitation, the planner sent me the design. A platinum band twined with vines. An inscription circled the inside: At Last, You're Here.

My wedding ring looked exactly the same. Adrian had sketched the design himself. He'd told me there would never be another like it.

I stared at the picture a long time, then let out a quiet laugh. Apparently even one of a kind could be mass-produced.

The planner heard something in my voice and carefully asked whether I wanted to keep reviewing the details.

"No. Do whatever he wants."

That afternoon, I started packing. I didn't have much. After seven years together and three years married, everything that was truly mine fit into two suitcases.

I went into the storage room for the veil my mother had left me.

The box was gone.

I called Adrian. He didn't pick up until my third try.

"Where's the veil?"

There was a short silence on the other end. "Sophie loved it, so I let her borrow it."

My hand tightened around the phone. "That veil was my mother's. It's all I have left of her."

"She's only wearing it for one day. She won't wreck it."

"I didn't agree to this."

"Elena, she's dying."

There it was again, swung at me like a club. As if Sophie's dying meant the whole world owed her something.

"Adrian, bring my veil back."

"I'll return it myself after the wedding."

"No." For the first time, I refused to fold. "I'll pick it up from the hotel before the ceremony tomorrow."

Sophie's weak cough sounded in the background. Adrian said a hurried "Suit yourself" and hung up.

I slept badly that night. At 2:00 a.m., Adrian sent me a photo. Sophie was wearing my veil, leaning against his shoulder for her makeup trial. One line came with the picture.

Adrian: She's feeling well today. Please just let her have this.

I forwarded the photo and our signed agreement to my attorney.

Elena: File it through the fastest process available.

My attorney warned me, "Once the judgment takes effect, neither party can revoke it alone. Unless you both voluntarily register a new marriage, this one won't come back on its own."

"I know." I looked at Sophie in my mother's veil. "That's exactly what I want. No taking it back."

Through my pajamas, I gently stroked my stomach.

"Just wait one more day for Mommy. We'll get Grandma's veil back, and then we'll leave."