Piece by piece, I threw away everything tied to our memories until nothing was left.
Callum pressed his lips tight, then suddenly relaxed as if struck by a thought. “Well, you’re right. Once we get to Washington, we’ll have to hold another wedding anyway. And we’ll take new wedding photos. This old picture won’t matter. And these little trinkets are old anyway. Once we settle in, you can buy new decorations.”
Not replying to what he said, I simply murmured, “I’m going to the bedroom to pack. Mom, you should help the kids pack their things, too.”
After that, I closed the door behind me.
A few minutes later, my mother-in-law slipped inside. Her eyes were red as she grabbed my hands, guilt all over her face. “Elara, don’t blame Callum. He had no choice. He was just trying to repay a debt. I know you’re hurting. This is my fault. Mine and Callum’s.”
I gently pulled my hands out of hers. “Please stop. I don’t blame him.”
Her lips trembled as she tried to comfort me over and over. “No matter what happens, you’ll always be my daughter-in-law. Always! I promise you, Callum will treat you well.”
I let out a small laugh and nodded vaguely. “Got it.”
After she left, I began sorting through my belongings and realized that there wasn’t much. Everything I owned fit into a single small suitcase.
Elara's POV
Inside the box was the white cotton coat Callum bought me for our wedding. I still remember how defeated he looked back then as he told me, “Elara, give me a few years. Once I save enough money, I’ll buy you a wedding dress like the one in the movies. I’ll make it up to you with a proper wedding.”
I took the coat out and tossed it onto the bed. It belonged to him, and I didn’t want it anymore.
The door swung open. Briar walked in, picked up the coat, and clicked her tongue with disdain. “You wore this for your wedding? Pathetic. Do you know what I wore on my wedding day? A custom-made gown. Callum said his biggest dream was to see the woman he loved wearing a movie-worthy wedding dress.”
My hands tightened as a dull ache spread through my chest.