Page 136 of A Lie so Dangerous and Fragile

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We decided to have my bachelorette party in my house. Adrian took Tristan out, and I left the kids with my parents, so they could spend some time with them. I was against inviting male strippers, so Vina, being Vina, came up with a bunch of ideas and crazy games, but I had so much fun with the girls. We shared stories about our high school crushes and looked them up on social media to see what their lives were like now. We all laughed at Vina’s crush, who went from cool and hot to potbelly and mustache.

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The wedding day and Tristan’s birthday were drawing closer. The preparations were more stressful than I’d thought. There was so much to do. I only enjoyed the cake and wine tasting. My worstpart of the preparations was the dance practice. I sucked at it, and I was sure Tristan had swollen toes by the time we were done due to the number of times I had stepped on his feet.

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The night before the wedding, Tristan was forced to stay at Adrian’s place. Vina took my phone away from me. It was her idea of keeping the bride away from the groom till our wedding day. I woke up at eleven fifty-five and stole my phone back from Belvina. I kept Tristan up on the phone till twelve a.m., so I could wish him a happy birthday on FaceTime. I hid under the duvet as I sang a birthday song to him in a whisper. We stayed longer on the phone. I thought I’d dozed off while we were still talking.

My hairstylist and designer arrived early to get me ready. As usual, I picked Vina to do my makeup. The kids played around in the room as I sat in front of the dresser, getting my hair done. The stylist finished with me and left the room. I spoke to Vina about how nervous I was about the wedding as she did my makeup.

She left with the twins when she was done, giving me some time alone. It didn’t take long before my mom walked in. She looked lovely in her maroon gown and neat ponytail.

“Hi, Mom.” I smiled at her.

“You look beautiful.”

“Thanks,” I said.

She took the seat next to me. There was a weird expression on her face.

“Are you sure you wanna do this?”

“Mom, I’m an hour away from getting married, and this is what you came to talk to me about?” I stared at her in disbelief.

“He hurt you, Chloe. He will do it again.”

“You’re not better than him, Mom.”

“I know. I’m just worried.”

“For God’s sake, it’s my wedding day. You walked in here, and that was all you could say?”

She looked away.

“I love him, Mom. No relationship is perfect. If you’re having a hard time with the wedding, stay home. No one is forcing you to attend the wedding. Please don’t ruin this day for me because of your stupid reputation,” I said and turned away from her.

“I’m so sorry. I just can’t picture you with him after everything he did to you.”

“There is something called forgiveness, Mother. I forgave you after everything you did to me. If you were really trying, Dad wouldn’t be asking for a divorce. Maybe you’re better off on your own,” I said, unable to hold back my anger.

“You think I have not noticed how you ignore Tristan? How you pretend he is invisible and stare at him in disgust when he tries to talk to you? I’m not doing this for you, Mom. I’m done trying to impress you. Please don’t ruin this day for me,” I said, not looking at her.

“If he makes you happy, then I’m fine with it. You’re right; there’s no perfect relationship.” She moved closer and placed a kiss on my head. “I’ll respect your decision from now on,” she said and left the room.

I held my tears back. Vina would kill me for ruining her hard work. I smiled at myself in the mirror. Kayla was going to be our flower girl, and Kayden was going to present the rings.

I almost cried when they brought them to me. They looked so beautiful and perfect. Kayla wore a white ballgown with a crown made with colorful flowers, and Kayden wore a tiny, dark tuxedo. They looked so adorable, and I was afraid to see them grow.

We left the house twenty minutes before the wedding. I chose the same church where it had all begun because of the memories of this place. I met my dad outside the church, and he gave me a big smile and a hug.

“You look so beautiful,” he told me.

“Thanks, Dad.”

“Are you ready? It’s almost time,” he asked.

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