The account belonged to one of Cassandra’s bridesmaids.
There were already hundreds of comments.
Some people laughed.
Others called the prank cruel.
Several asked why the video ended so abruptly.
I closed the app.
Then Rachel called.
“Aunt Helen?”
“I’m here.”
“Please tell me you’re okay.”
I looked toward the laundry room.
“I’ve had better mornings.”
She sighed.
“I was sitting near the cake table. I saw the whole thing.”
“I know.”
“Cassandra told people afterward that you tried to shut down the wedding because you were jealous.”
I closed my eyes.
“Of what?”
Rachel hesitated.
“She said you couldn’t stand not being the most important woman in Michael’s life.”
I looked out the window.
I’d heard versions of that accusation before.
Whenever I questioned an expense, Cassandra called me controlling.
Whenever I offered advice, she called me intrusive.
When I asked whether Michael was getting enough rest during a difficult business project, she told him I needed to stop treating him like a child.
I had gradually learned to say less.
Apparently, even silence hadn’t been enough.
Rachel spoke again.
“I have a longer video. You can see what happened afterward.”
I hesitated.
