Leaving the Past in Flames
Dad attends a banquet with his ex-girlfriend, and they make headlines. Everyone mocks Mom for this, saying that she hasn't gotten anything out of her relationship with Dad.
They make fun of her for giving up her successful career for his sake to end up with nothing—she can't even tell a homewrecker off.
Mom looks at me tiredly after bawling her eyes out. "He let me down first, so I don't want him anymore. Do you want to leave with me, Rosie?"
Just then, my phone pings. I've received a text from my boyfriend of seven years. "I'm just going through the motions and registering my marriage with someone else, Rosalie. You'll still be my girlfriend!"
After a brief silence, I nod and tell Mom I'll leave with her.
On the day of the double weddings, Mom and I disappear after a fire at our villa.