They lied to us

Avery's hands trembled on the steering wheel, each breathing a shallow gasp as she navigated the familiar streets through a veil of tears. Her mind reeled with the overwhelming impossibility—Cathleen had taken her place at the altar—Cathleen, who was supposed to be nothing more than a footnote in Avery's grand life plan. The sting of betrayal burned hot within her, like salt rubbed vigorously into an open wound. Avery's heart pounded in her chest in a frantic attempt to escape the suffocating weight of it all. She'd fled from the restaurant, the taste of humiliation heavy on her tongue and threatening to choke her with every swallow.

The gravel driveway echoed under her tires as she raced back to the house. Each pebble seemed to mock her, a cruel reminder of the shattered illusions that awaited her inside. Her fingers trembled as she yanked out the keys, snatched her purse, and carelessly flung off her high heels, discarding them near the car. The shoes felt like shackles, symbols of