The Monster He Made, The Woman She Became

nning. Olivia went through the motions, meeting with wedding planners, tasting c

as in their shared apartment, looking over some busi

," Olivia said,

the flower arrangements? I pref

name made Olivia' s blood run col

ion. "We've been over this, Olivia. The wedding is ha

he words tearing at her throat. "You stra

t. The park is taking full responsibility. It's all very sad, but it has no

han any confession. He truly believed he could rewrit

up and walked toward her, his presence overwhelming the room. "Let's not talk about this

, her expression one of faux concern. "Oh, Olivia, darling," she cooed. "I hear

at the screen,

nts. Her mother was sleeping fitfully, an IV in her arm. Her father was talking to a doctor, his face etched with worry. Olivia kn

g to a low threat. "Your parents' treatment plan is under review. Apparently,

face. She was utterly powerle

nks we should move up the wedding. A happy occasion to help everyone move on from this... sadnes

a begged, her voice br

" Tiffany sang from th

beat counting down to disaster. She felt like she was suffocating. Every instinct screamed at her to fight, to

ny was standing in a bridal boutique, wearing a stunning, extravagant wedding gown. It was a dr

ieve, were met with laughter. Michael held the phone so she could hear Tiffany's mocking giggles

Michael said, his

y a cold, hollow despair. "Fine," she ch

ront of her, confirming the new, horribly soon wedding date.

omeone on the other end. "This is Michael Thompson. Yes, regarding the Reyn

spoke briefly to her father, and then removed the IV bag. Her mother stirred, looki

her lips. This was her life now. A cage where every b