Edward’s response was characteristically direct. When Veronica admitted that she wanted Max to see her with someone impressive and regret leaving, Edward’s expression darkened slightly. Yet, after a long pause, he agreed.
The week leading up to the event was a battle of self-doubt. Veronica rejected dress after dress, hearing Max’s old critiques in her head every time she zipped up a garment. Ultimately, she made a quiet act of rebellion: she chose a dress simply because she liked it before imagining Max’s reaction.
The Wedding Spectacle
Saturday arrived, and Edward picked Veronica up in his car. In the back seat sat a large cardboard box marked for donation, which Veronica paid little attention to.
The wedding venue was grand and opulent—flooded with oversized floral arrangements, white linen, free-flowing champagne, and elaborate chandeliers. For Veronica, the setting felt intentionally designed to project perfection. Max’s new bride, Claire, looked stunning in a tailored white gown.
When Max finally noticed Veronica standing beside Edward, his initial shock was palpable. For one fleeting moment, the quiet satisfaction Veronica had prayed for became a reality. But Max quickly recovered his composure, leaning into the cruel humor that had defined the end of his marriage.
Looking Edward up and down, Max actually laughed out loud, drawing the attention of nearby guests. “Him? Your boyfriend? I don’t believe it. No one would date you—especially someone like him. What did you do, pay him to come?”
