“This is all one event!” she protested.

I shrugged. “Not according to the contract. Weddings cost money. If you want one, you have to pay.”

Jessica turned desperately to our parents.

Our mom crossed her arms. “You planned this behind everyone’s back. Fix it yourself.”

Even Ben shook his head. “You lied to me, Jessica. I’m leaving.”

Jessica collapsed onto the floor, wailing. Our dad calmly called security to escort her out.

I took a deep breath.

“Ready to put on your dress?” Bella asked.

I nodded.

The wedding went on beautifully—light, joyful, and free of Jessica’s drama.

Later that night, Leo raised his glass.

“To my beautiful wife,” he said, looking into my eyes. “And to finally getting the wedding she deserves.”

Everyone cheered.

For the first time in my life, I felt truly happy.

But then came the banging at my door.

I opened it to find Jessica—disheveled, mascara-streaked, and broken.

“Ben left me,” she whispered. “I don’t know why I do these things, Gina. I ruin everything. And now? I’ve ruined myself.”

For the first time ever, Jessica admitted she wasn’t okay.

And for the first time ever, I didn’t feel the need to fix her.

“Can we start over?” she asked.

I shook my head. “No.”

Jessica flinched.

“You’ve spent years taking from me, twisting everything so you were the victim. Now you’re finally facing the consequences, and you want a fresh start?” I laughed quietly. “I spent years hoping you’d change. But I’m done hoping, Jess.”

I opened the door.

“Now you have to live with the choices you made.”

Jessica hesitated, then turned away.

As she disappeared into the night, I whispered, “I really do hope you figure yourself out.”

Then I locked the door, put the kettle on, and breathed deeply.

For the first time ever, I felt free.