Daniel’s voice broke. “Lia, I love you. I didn’t mean for it to start this way.”
“Maybe you do now,” I said softly. “But you built this on your mother’s lie. I deserve better.”
Richard interrupted. “No. She deserves honesty. We used her loss for our benefit.”
I straightened. “I want a marriage built on truth and respect.”
Daniel pleaded. “Please, Lia. Don’t go.”
I met his eyes. “I’m sorry. I can’t do this.”
Tara slipped her hand into mine as we walked out. The church doors closed softly behind us.
In the car, she said, “Whatever comes next, I’m here.”
The future was uncertain. But it was finally mine.
