Ivy never expects to be left out of her best friend’s wedding until she crashes it and learns the shocking truth. The groom? Someone she’s known all her life. The betrayal? Unforgivable. As her past collides with her present, Ivy must decide: walk away for good or confront the groom.
The first time someone mentioned Amber’s wedding, I laughed.
“Wait, Amber who?” I asked, sipping my coffee and being completely distracted by the huge slice of cheesecake in front of me.

A woman sitting in a coffee shop | Source: Midjourney
The table went silent. Four pairs of eyes blinked at me like I’d just confessed to murder.
“Are you serious, Ivy?” Lauren finally asked. “Amber Amber. Our Amber.”
My stomach dipped.
“No, she would have told me. Surely! You guys are just making fun of me!”

Jack shifted uncomfortably, almost knocking his coffee over.
“Ivy, she… she sent the invitations weeks ago. Like almost a month,” he said.
I nearly dropped my coffee.
My invitation never came.

A man sitting in a coffee shop | Source: Midjourney
At first, I told myself it was a mistake. Maybe it got lost in the mail? Or maybe she was waiting to tell me in person?
But it didn’t make sense! When we were growing up, we always spoke about being each other’s bridesmaids… so what was this?
The weeks passed. More invitations were sent. I saw some of my other friends posting on socials and tagging her, all excited that they were going to share Amber’s big day with her.

Two teenage girls sitting together | Source: Midjourney
We can’t wait to celebrate you!
You’re going to be the most beautiful bride, Amber!
Bachelorette party!!

Dresses were bought.
“I got this beautiful midnight blue dress, Ives,” Lauren told me over the phone. “And my grandmother’s earrings will finish the look perfectly. Have you decided what you’re going to wear?”
“Lauren, she still hasn’t invited me,” I said. “So…”
I didn’t ask Amber why. I waited. And I gave her every opportunity to tell me. But she never did. Not even when we went to get our nails done.

A dress on a hanger | Source: Midjourney
I wasn’t sure that I wanted to spend time with her, but I wanted to see if she would tell me the truth. Or anything about her wedding, for that matter. And if I’m being honest, I was so surprised that she had agreed to come with me.
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