Margaret caught Noah’s hand.
“Don’t do this because of me.”
He turned.
“Mom—”
“Marriage is a serious thing. You shouldn’t end it because someone insulted an old woman.”
Noah sat beside her.
“I’m not ending it because someone insulted you.”
He looked into her eyes.
“I’m ending it because the person I planned to marry enjoyed humiliating someone who couldn’t defend herself.”
Margaret’s eyes filled with tears.
“But you love her.”
“I loved who I thought she was.”
He glanced at the letter lying on the table.
“And I’ve spent too many years ignoring things I didn’t want to see.”
A commotion erupted outside the room.
The door swung open.
Claire entered, followed by her parents.
Her wedding gown swept across the polished floor.
“Have you completely lost your mind?” she demanded.
Noah stood.
“Claire, leave my mother alone.”
“Your mother?”
She gave a bitter laugh.
“She’s been here for fifteen minutes, and suddenly she matters more than everything we’ve built?”
Margaret tried to rise.
“I can wait outside.”
“No, Mom,” Noah said firmly. “Stay seated.”
Claire pointed toward the elderly woman.
“Look at her! She’s manipulating you!”
Noah said nothing.
