One morning, she found an envelope on the counter. Divorce papers. No explanation beyond his rehearsed line:

“You deserve… someone more grounded. I don’t fit in your world anymore.”

She had stared at him, heartbroken. Not fit in her world? It was his world that had changed.

With quiet dignity, Claire packed a suitcase and left.

The Invitation

When the ornate envelope arrived at her small townhouse years later, Claire almost tossed it. The card gleamed with embossed gold letters: Ethan Ward & Victoria Hale request the honor of your presence.

At the bottom, in Ethan’s handwriting, was a note:

“Hope you can come. It might give you closure.”