As the afternoon sun began to set, guests mingled awkwardly, unsure of whether to stay or leave. I decided to address them, to reclaim my narrative. Standing atop a small platform, I addressed the crowd.

“Thank you all for being here today,” I began, my voice growing stronger with each word. “While this isn’t the ending I envisioned, it is a beginning. A beginning where I prioritize honesty, respect, and love—not just in a partner, but in myself.”

There was a murmur of support, a few nods, and a wave of empathy that rippled through the group. In that moment, the weight of embarrassment lifted, replaced by an empowering sense of self-worth.

As people started to disperse, my friends and family rallied around me, offering support and love. Dylan, meanwhile, was nowhere to be seen, having left with his friends, presumably to nurse the fallout of his thoughtless actions.