Chapter 2 – The Truth Behind the Smile
Amy turned toward Penelope.
"For two years..."
"I believed you were my sister."
Penelope couldn't meet her eyes.
Amy continued quietly.
"You helped me choose this dress."
"You planned my bridal shower."
"You toasted our engagement."
"You held my hand when I doubted myself."
Small pauses separated every sentence.
Each one landed harder than anger.
"How long?"
Penelope finally answered.
"Eight months."
The room inhaled sharply.
Amy nodded once.
"I wondered why you suddenly encouraged me to work longer hours."
Penelope began crying.
"I never meant..."
"You did."
Amy's voice remained steady.
"You just never expected to be caught."
Then Emma slowly stepped forward.
She looked at Penelope with visible disgust.
"I saw them."
Everyone turned.
Emma swallowed.
"Three months ago."
Maverick looked horrified.
"You what?"
"I saw you leaving a restaurant together."
"I asked Penelope."
"She laughed."
"Said she was helping choose Amy's anniversary gift."
Emma looked directly at Amy.
"I believed her."
Amy smiled sadly.
"So did I."
Aunt Rose finally spoke.
"Trust is funny."
"It takes years to build."
May you like
"And one afternoon to bury."
No one disagreed.
