fierce plan.On the day of the wedding, I didn’t wear the boutique dress. I didn’t wear the one Lora sent. I wore a new one—a black silk gown, bold and elegant. The room fell silent when I entered. People whispered. Lora looked furious. Neil looked confused. And when I reached the altar, I didn’t say yes. I said no. “I love you,
Neil. I did. But I need someone who stands with me—not behind his mother.” I turned, handed my bouquet to my best friend, and walked back down the aisle. Alone. But strong. Free. The next morning, I woke up in her guest room—sunlight pouring in, the air light with peace. My phone buzzed with messages. So many people told me I was brave. That I did the right thing. Even Neil had texted: “I’m sorry.” I didn’t reply. Some stories don’t need more pages. Some love stories are really about finding the strength to love yourself. And that day, I chose me.