She looked ashamed, one hand on her daughter’s shoulder.
“Sofía told me two weeks ago that Andrés’s niece was being removed because she didn’t photograph well with the rest of the bridal party.”
Your mother gasped.
Sofía shot her a look. “Carolina.”
Carolina ignored her.
“I didn’t like it,” she continued. “But Sofía said the other family had already agreed.”
Your eyes went to your mother.
She looked away.
Then to your father.
He rubbed his forehead, suddenly very interested in the floor.
They knew.
Of course they knew.
They had known for two weeks and let you bring Camila anyway.
You thought the worst betrayal was your brother’s silence.
But your parents had packed a child into a car knowing she would be humiliated when she arrived.
You felt Javier step closer.
“Laura,” he said softly, “we’re leaving.”
You nodded.
The ceremony could collapse or continue. You no longer cared. Your only job now was to get Camila away from people who thought her heartbreak was acceptable collateral damage.
But before you could move, Andrés grabbed your arm.
“Don’t you dare walk out and make me look bad.”
Javier’s voice went dark. “Take your hand off my wife.”
Andrés let go, but his face twisted with anger.
“You’re going to regret this.”
You looked down at his handprint on your skin.
Then at Camila’s face.
“No,” you said. “I already regret trusting you.”
You picked up Camila’s basket.
She did not want to leave it behind.
That broke you all over again.
As the three of you walked back toward the parking area, your mother followed.
“Laura, wait.”
You did not stop.
“Please, don’t go like this. People are talking.”
You turned then.
“Good.”
Her face crumpled. “You don’t understand the pressure Andrés is under.”
You looked at her like you were seeing a stranger wearing your mother’s face.
“He is a grown man who humiliated a child to impress in-laws.”
“She’ll get over it.”
Camila heard that.
You saw her shoulders fold inward.
Javier lifted her gently into his arms, basket and all.
You stepped toward your mother.
“Every time you say that, you prove why I should have protected her from all of you sooner.”
Your mother’s eyes filled with tears. “Don’t take my granddaughter from me.”
“You helped take something from her today.”
Your father finally spoke from behind her.
“Laura, it was a mistake.”
You laughed once.
