I’m in.
The wedding happened so quickly it barely felt real.
My parents arranged everything at their country club—expensive flowers, tasteless luxury, stiff smiles.
Claire looked beautiful in a simple gown, though she seemed uncomfortable beneath the judgmental stares surrounding her.
Her parents sat quietly near the back of the room, looking proud but slightly out of place among the wealthy guests.
And her mother…
There was something strangely familiar about her face.
I just couldn’t place it.
During the reception, I overheard my mother whisper to my father:
“At least her family dressed appropriately.”
Claire’s mother hugged me afterward and whispered warmly, “Thank you for taking care of her.”
Even though she knew our marriage wasn’t real.
Her father shook my hand firmly.
“Look after each other.”
Oddly enough, they felt more like family than my own parents ever had.
