It was a small, broken sound, but it reminded me that Vanessa hadn’t taken everything from me.
Chloe hugged me, then helped transfer my dress and personal belongings into the second suite. Margaret arrived shortly afterward with a revised schedule and a list of instructions for the staff.
By 4:15, we had secured the gown, relocated the jewelry, and established a private communication group that excluded the bridesmaids.
I still needed answers about Ethan.
At 4:28, I called him.
He answered immediately, sounding as though he hadn’t slept.
“Olivia?”
“Did Vanessa ever tell you that I was having doubts about the wedding?”
Silence.
It lasted only a few seconds, but I heard everything inside it.
“Yes,” he finally admitted. “A few weeks ago. She said you were overwhelmed and had been wondering whether we were moving too quickly.”
My heart tightened.
“What exactly did she tell you?”
“She said you had been crying after dress fittings. That you were afraid marriage would change your life too much. She asked me not to pressure you.”
