While serving at a wedding, I suddenly noticed the groom—it was my husband, Alden. Seeing him with another woman, pretending to be someone else, sent my entire world crashing down. In that instant, everything I thought I knew about my life was flipped upside down. Oh, weddings… They always had a way of stirring old… CONTINUE READING »
We were simply two young people in love, not worried about lavish decorations or an elaborate reception. Even now, after seven years of marriage, those memories still managed to bring a smile to my face. Working as a waitress for a catering company meant I was constantly surrounded by weddings. Each time I entered a… CONTINUE READING »
That day, like any other, we arrived early to set everything in place before the guests and the newlyweds appeared. About an hour later, the guests began arriving, their cheerful chatter filling the room as they waited for the bride and groom to return from their photos. I was in the restroom when my coworker,… CONTINUE READING »
Nessa shook her head, looking more nervous than I had ever seen her. “No, Harper, you don’t understand. I really think you shouldn’t be here.” “What are you even talking about? Why are you acting so strange?” I said. “Nessa, seriously, what’s going on?” She bit her lip, glancing back toward the hall. “You’re not… CONTINUE READING »
My breath caught. I felt like the ground had been torn away from beneath me. I couldn’t understand what I was seeing. I turned and ran outside, tears burning down my face. It felt like a nightmare I couldn’t wake from. Outside, I collapsed against the wall, gasping for air. My vision blurred with tears,… CONTINUE READING »
My brother worked part-time for ages, stashing every buck for his graduation car. Our stepdad grabbed the money in one mean act and broke his heart. We were crushed. But just when our stepdad thought he’d pulled it off, fate hit back. I’m Sage. I’m 20 years old. If you’d told me six months ago… CONTINUE READING »
But people like our stepdad don’t care about “worked for.” They care about what they can take without trouble. Jasper and I aren’t just siblings. We’re best pals. “You’re my favorite person ever, Sage,” he told me last month, flopped on my bedroom floor after another tough day at his part-time gig. I rolled my… CONTINUE READING »
When our parents broke up, it was just us keeping the house from feeling super cold. When Mom married Vance barely six months after the divorce was done, we were already doubting the timing. Jasper said she wasn’t loyal. “I’m not saying I’m sure,” he said one night. “But the timing’s weird, Sage. It just… CONTINUE READING »
He’d been saving for a car since his second year of high school. Every cent from his job at the store went right into his car fund. I’d watch him count those wrinkled dollars night after night, his eyes full of dreams. “I’m almost there,” he’d say, flattening out tens and twenties. “I just need… CONTINUE READING »
“I’ve been working for it!” Jasper’s voice shook. “I’m asking for a tiny bit. That’s all. You helped Sage with her car last year.” “That was different,” Mom cut in, sounding annoyed. “How?” Jasper asked. “How’s it different?” Vance finally looked up. “Because I say it is.” The arguments got worse after that. Loud and… CONTINUE READING »