I spent the money for our wedding venue on a luxurious plot in Mom's hometown cemetery. I bought the finest urn for her ashes with the funds for wedding photos. When I was ready to go back to the hotel, I realized I had left something at Mark's office, so I detoured to pick it up.
Chloe has sidelined the colleague who used to befriend me as a receptionist. The new receptionist deliberately made things difficult, asking me to prove my identity.
"Can you prove you belong here?" she sneered.
I searched my bag, realizing I didn't have a single photo of me and Mark together. She rolled her eyes.
"People like you think you can just show up? Everyone knows Mr. Caldwell only cares about Chloe."
I didn't need her to tell me that; the lobby walls were already plastered with pictures of them together. I was about to call him when Mark appeared, irritation plain on his face.
"What are you here for now?" he demanded.
"My mother's peace charm," I replied evenly. Mom, despite her illness, had gone out of her way to get it blessed, hoping Mark and I would live a life she couldn't—a life full of love, free from bitterness. It's a pity. Mark doesn't deserve my love, nor does he deserve Mom's expectations.