Chapter 6 - Mia Makes Her Choice
“Yes,” I answered clearly, stepping past Owen to walk a few paces down the altar steps toward where my sister stood. The congregation watched our every movement with bated breath, wondering how a wedding interrupted by sabotage could possibly end in grace.
I stopped a few feet away from Mia, looking down at the white silk dress that fit her silhouette as perfectly as I had calculated. “Mom wanted you to have it, Mia,” I said gently, my voice devoid of any triumph or gloating superiority. “And she wanted you to be here.”
Mia’s lower lip quivered violently as she stared at me, the armor of her lifelong narcissism finally cracking beneath the weight of unconditional love. “I hate you,” she whispered through her tears, the words lacking any real malice, sounding more like a frightened child.
“I know,” I replied softly, stepping closer to wrap my arms around her stiff, trembling shoulders despite the white dress. “And I love you anyway. We all do.” For three agonizing seconds, Mia remained rigid in my embrace, refusing to return the hug while the entire chapel watched.
May you like
Then, slowly, her defenses gave way. Her arms came up, wrapping tightly around my waist as she buried her face in my shoulder and sobbed uncontrollably. The years of cold distance, competitive venom, and silent warfare melted away in the warmth of that unexpected forgiveness.
Behind us, Jenna let out a quiet sniffle, and several guests in the front row wiped away tears at the emotional pivot. It wasn't the traditional fairy-tale wedding ending anyone had expected, but it was infinitely more powerful and profoundly healing for our fractured family.
