I felt out of place instantly. And angry. Angry at how easily Dad had traded in our family for this show.

Then I saw him. Standing near the arch, grinning in a tailored suit, shaking hands like he was running for office. Vanessa was beside him in her gown—lace, sequins, everything sparkling. She looked triumphant, as if she’d won some great prize.

When Dad spotted us, his face lit up. “There they are!” he said loudly, pulling us into hugs. I stiffened, but Alex let him embrace him without reaction. His eyes, however, were cold.

The ceremony began, guests taking their seats as the officiant started speaking. I sat beside Alex in the second row, directly behind the groomsmen. Dad looked smug, Vanessa beamed, and I clenched my jaw through every word about “love” and “trust” and “new beginnings.”

When it came time for vows, Vanessa went first. She gushed about fate, about how they’d found each other against the odds, her voice dripping with sugar. People smiled, nodding, dabbing their eyes.