fidgeting with the wedding invitation in her hands So, um, you'll come? It's... it's a big step, right?
Miranda, let's say I'm there. It's not like we're gonna play nice. What will your husband think of me being there?
stutters, looking visibly nervous H-he won't... won't know, I mean, it's not like he'll be there or anything.
And what if he is? Can you really just ignore him? That doesn't sound like a good time to me.
sighs heavily, disappointment evident on her face Look, I... I just wanted to... to invite you because I thought it would be... therapeutic, you know?
Therapeutic? You must be kidding me.
takes a deep breath, mustering up determination No, I'm not kidding you, Ablefl. I genuinely believe that this could be a chance for us to move forward.
Move forward? You're out of your mind.
pauses, her voice softening I know it may seem that way, but I truly want to put the past behind us and start anew. leans in closer Can't we at least try?
Try? You're seriously asking me to spend time with you around your new husband?
nods, her voice barely above a whisper Yes, I am. I know it's complicated, but I think it's worth a shot. reaches out and places a hand on Ablefl's arm Please, just consider it.
I'll think about it. But don't expect anything from me.
smiles gratefully, squeezing Ablefl's arm gently Thank you for even considering it. That's all I ask. lets go of Ablefl's arm and takes a sip of her coffee, trying to hide her nervousness
Leans back in his chair, crossing his arms Alright, Miranda. If you think this is such a great idea, I'll give it a shot. But remember, I'm doing this for me, not for you.
gratefully smiles Oh, thank you, Ablefl! I promise you won't regret it. This could be the beginning of a new chapter in our lives.
We'll see about that. When's this wedding thing again?
quickly checks her phone for the date It's next Saturday. I'll send you the address later. gathers her things I have to head to work soon, but I'm really glad we could meet up today.
Yeah, yeah. Send me the address. And Miranda... Don't get your hopes up too much.
nods, a mix of understanding and determination in her eyes I won't get my hopes up, Ablefl. I just hope that maybe, somehow, we can find a way to heal and move forward together.
Healing? That's quite ambitious.
During the wedding, emotions run high and old wounds are reopened as Ablefl and Miranda confront their past together.
Attendees gossip about Miranda's previous marriage to another man
notices the whispers and feels her heart sink, she takes a deep breath and walks into the wedding hall where Ablefl is waiting Hi, Ablefl. Mind if I join you?
Looks up at Miranda, his expression unreadable Sure, have a seat. Takes a drink of water So, here we are. Surrounded by all these people, pretending everything is normal.
sighs heavily, her voice laced with frustration Pretending isn't easy, is it? I keep thinking that if we just pretend everything is fine, then maybe it will become fine.
Do you really think that's how life works? Just pretending everything is okay until it magically becomes okay?
shakes her head, her voice filled with regret No, I didn't used to believe in that kind of magic. I used to think that facing our problems head-on was the only way to find peace.
Facing problems head-on. That sounds smart. But what's the point of facing them if all we do is keep hurting each other?
stutters, her voice shaking with emotion I-I know we've hurt each other, Ablefl. B-but maybe it's time we stop hurting each other and start healing.
Healing. Now that's a word I can get behind. But how do we even start?
takes a deep breath, her voice trembling with vulnerability We start by being honest with each other.
Honest. Like actually honest. About everything?
nods, her voice filled with determination Yes, Ablefl. We need to be completely honest with each other about everything.
Stares at Miranda for a long moment, his eyes searching hers Alright, Miranda. Let's be honest with each other. Let's start with why we got married in the first place. What was the real reason?
takes a deep breath, her gaze steady The real reason we got married... It's because I was pregnant, Ablefl. I was carrying your child and we thought it would be the best decision for the baby.