We moved behind the sanctuary where the conversation could continue privately.
The moment the door closed, Lauren broke down.
“I didn’t know how to fix it.”
Ethan stared at her.
“Fix what?”
She looked toward me.
“I told Ethan my family had money.”
I said nothing.
Lauren continued.
She had told him I traveled constantly.
That I spent months in Europe.
That our family owned multiple properties.
Each small exaggeration required another lie.
Ethan shook his head.
“You told me your parents owned property.”
“My father did own property.”
I finally spoke.
“He owned our house, Lauren.”
She cried harder.
I wanted to comfort her.
But first, I needed the truth.
“When did being raised by me become something you were ashamed of?”
“I don’t know.”
“Try.”
She wiped her face.
“College.”
“Why?”
“Everyone had more.”
“More what?”
“Money. Connections. Parents with impressive careers.”
So she started exaggerating.
A little at first.
Then she met Ethan.
The lies grew bigger.
And when she saw my photograph hanging inside his parents’ home, she panicked.
Suddenly, I understood.
“You weren’t afraid I would embarrass you.”
Lauren shook her head.
“You were afraid I would expose you.”
“Yes.”
Janice walked toward me and hugged me.
Then she turned toward Lauren.
“For twelve years, one of the most respected people in our home has been your mother.”
Lauren collapsed into tears.
“I’m sorry.”
Ethan remained quiet for a long time.
Finally, he spoke.
“I love you.”
Lauren looked up hopefully.
“But I can’t marry you today.”
Her face fell.
“Ethan—”
“I don’t know which parts of our relationship were real and which parts were another story you created because you thought the truth wasn’t good enough.”
His voice softened slightly.
“I want to work through this. But I’m not starting a marriage by pretending none of this happened.”
The wedding was postponed.
Before I left, the usher returned the velvet box containing my mother’s pearl locket.
Lauren noticed.
“Mom.”
I looked at her.
“I’m sorry.”
“I know.”
Her eyes moved toward the box.
“I don’t deserve that today.”
“It was never about deserving it.”
Still, I put the locket back into my purse.
