Chapter 2The Unveiling

When it was my turn to give him his ring, he was gone.

I stared at the band cutting into my flesh. It was me who wore the ring, and it was me who was trapped, unable to escape this relationship.

I thought my sacrifices would be enough to save this broken, decaying love. Now I saw there was no point.

I picked up the microphone and faced our guests, my voice suddenly strong and clear.

"Landon and I are getting divorced. This isn't a wedding, it's a divorce party. The reception is our break-up dinner. Please, eat, drink, and then go home."

I turned and walked away, leaving Landon's stunned family and friends behind.

We’d been legally married at city hall for a while; his family knew that. But the wedding itself kept getting postponed for one reason or another. I was the one who had practically begged him for this ceremony.

I should have known. A wedding no one else wants isn't worth having.

I changed out of the wedding dress and went straight to the nearest fire station.

As the firefighter used a small cutting tool, he winced. "Ma'am, this ring is way too small. How did your husband even get this on? Your finger's purple. This must have hurt like hell."

I could only offer a bitter smile. Anyone could see it didn't fit. Landon just didn't care.

He only cared about his childhood sweetheart, Mia.

When the ring was finally cut, and the blood rushed back into my finger, I took the two halves of the band and dropped them into the nearest trash can. Just like this rotten relationship. I was done with it.

I took a deep breath and called my parents in California.

The moment I heard my mom's voice, all the pain I’d been holding back surged up. My eyes filled with tears. I wanted to say so much, but all that came out was, "Mom, I miss you."

She knew instantly. "Grace. Did Landon do something to you?"

It wasn't a question. It was a statement. Maybe it’s a mother's intuition.

"Mom, I want a divorce," I choked out. "As soon as I get things settled here, I'm coming home."

"Okay, baby. I'm waiting for you. You know Mom will always support you."

I hadn't asked them to fly out for the wedding, telling them it was too rushed. The truth was, I was afraid for them to see how little he valued me.

Every time we talked, I'd repeat the same two lines: "I'm doing great. Landon is wonderful to me."

I couldn't say more. I couldn't invent details of a happiness I'd never experienced.

Back at our apartment, I looked at the home I’d decorated. All the celebratory white roses and silk felt suffocating. My heart seized, and finally, I collapsed and let myself sob.

You can't force someone to love you. Why even try?

After I’d cried it all out, I opened a suitcase. I was shocked to find that my belongings barely filled it. Most of the things in this apartment were "couple's" items I'd bought.

His-and-hers slippers. His-and-hers mugs. His-and-hers bathrobes. All of it had to go.

Halfway through packing, I realized I didn't have to cook. I ordered the spiciest Thai food I could find. Extra chili, extra peanut sauce.

I’d been eating bland food for so long to accommodate Landon. Tonight, I was eating what I wanted.

I had just finished packing when someone knocked on the door.

I opened it. Landon stood there, holding my takeout bag with an impatient look on his face. The sight of him in his immaculate tailored suit holding a cheap bag of takeout was almost funny.