Despite everything they said, I stood firm and defended her again and again, even when the entire town labeled me as desperate, foolish, or greedy for chasing a life beyond my place.
The wedding took place at a restored countryside estate in Virginia, surrounded by white flowers, candlelight, and musicians playing soft classical music that made the night feel like something out of another world.
There were too many men in dark suits standing quietly at the edges, too many discreet earpieces, and too much security for what should have been a simple ceremony, and although I noticed every detail I chose not to question it because I was blinded by what I felt for her.
Later that night, when we were finally alone in a large bedroom with high ceilings and dim lighting, Eleanor closed the door slowly with trembling hands and placed a thick envelope along with a set of car keys on the table beside us.
“This is your wedding gift,” she said softly, trying to steady her voice as she spoke. “There is a significant amount of money and a truck registered in your name.”
