Back at the venue, the ceremony had already started. Lena stood at the front in white, smiling at my father.
“Wait,” I said loudly.
Every head turned.
“You can’t marry her,” I said, my voice shaking. “This isn’t love. It’s replacement.”
I showed Dad the messages. I told him everything.
He looked at Lena, stunned. “Is this true?”
She faltered. Just for a second.
That was enough.
“I can’t do this,” Dad said quietly. “I need to stop.”
The room erupted in whispers. Lena looked at me, her mask finally gone.
“This was supposed to be my chance,” she said.
For the first time since my mom died, I felt like the truth was finally standing in the open.
And I didn’t stay quiet anymore.
