Chapter 12 - THE SECOND CEREMONY
Julian and Simone had never had a wedding ceremony.
Only courthouse vows.
After the scandal, everyone assumed they would stage a massive public celebration.
They did not.
A year later, they held a dinner for thirty people.
No press.
No corporate guests.
No ballroom.
Simone wore a pale-blue dress again.
Not the same design.
No symbolism announced.
Julian noticed.
He asked:
“On purpose?”
“Yes.”
Then:
“I liked blue before Deline ruined one.”
Good.
Reclaiming did not require white.
Deline was not invited.
Not yet.
Carmen definitely was not.
Julian’s sister gave a toast.
Maya cried.
Simone and Julian danced.
No secret marriage reveal because everyone invited already knew.
Halfway through dinner, a package arrived.
No sender.
Inside:
a dressmaking kit.
And a note.
I know this is not funny yet.
Deline.
Simone stared.
Then laughed despite herself.
Julian looked alarmed.
“Is that allowed?”
“She’s not under no-contact anymore.”
“Do you want me to throw it away?”
Simone thought.
“No.”
She kept the scissors.
Not the same kind.
Not weaponized.
Tools.
Context changes objects.
Then she sent Deline one message:
Not funny yet.
Deline replied:
May you like
Fair.
That was all.
