Chapter 1

The crystal chandeliers of the historic Philadelphia hotel glittered, but everything felt dim.

It was our rehearsal dinner.

Mark, my fiancé, stood by the grand piano, a champagne flute in his hand.

His groomsmen were laughing, a tight circle around him and Jessica.

Jessica, my maid of honor, Mark' s best friend since childhood.

Then Mark leaned in.

He kissed Jessica.

Not a peck, not a friendly gesture.

It was long, passionate, a kiss for an audience.

The room fell silent, except for a few nervous coughs.

My fork clattered onto my plate.

He pulled back, a grin on his face, and said to the room, "Just getting caught up in old times!"

Laughter, forced and too loud, filled the space.

Jessica turned to me, her eyes wide, tears already forming.

"Sarah, oh my god, I'm so sorry," she rushed over, her voice trembling.

"It just happened, please, don't be upset, not on your big day tomorrow."

Her hand, cool and smooth, touched my arm.

I looked at her, then at Mark, who was now avoiding my gaze, talking animatedly to his father.

My big day.

Humiliation burned through me, hot and sharp.

I stood up.

"Mark," I said, my voice surprisingly steady.

He finally looked at me, a flicker of annoyance in his eyes.

"What is it, Sarah? Can't this wait?"

Jessica was still beside me, her hand now gripping my elbow.

"Sarah, please," she whispered, "Don't make a scene."

I looked down at Jessica's dress.

It was a pale blush, almost white, intricate lace, flowing silk.

It looked more like a wedding dress than my simple ivory gown hanging in my closet.

"Your dress is beautiful, Jessica," I said, my voice flat.

She blinked, a confused frown appearing. "Oh, thank you, Mark helped me pick it out."

Of course he did.

I pulled my engagement ring off my finger.

The diamond, a gift from Mark' s mother, felt heavy and cold.

I held it out to Jessica.

"Here," I said. "I think this would suit you better."

Her jaw dropped.

Mark strode over, his face darkening.

"Sarah, what the hell do you think you're doing?" he hissed, his voice low and angry.

"You're making a scene. You're ruining everything."

Jessica started to cry, real tears this time, mascara already smudging.

"Mark, no, it's my fault," she sobbed, leaning into him.

He put an arm around her, glaring at me.

"She's just emotional, Sarah. You're overreacting."

Overreacting.

He kissed her, and I was overreacting.