Ch 100: Elena—After Everything

The diary sits open on my lap.Blank page. Pen uncapped. The particular pressure of documenting something that's supposed to matter.I've been staring at it for ten minutes.Adrian's voice carries from the kitchen—patient repetition of pancake instructions Ava already knows but pretends not to. Her giggle punctuates his fake exasperation.Mrs. Patel's murmur underneath. The Sunday morning symphony of people who've learned to move around each other.My phone buzzes. Sofia: 'Brunch at 11? Daniel wants to show you the wedding venue options. He's narrowed it down to 47 choices.'Me: 'That's not narrow.'Sofia: 'I'm aware. Please come save me from looking at 47 identical ballrooms.'Me: 'Adrian's making pancakes. We'll be there by noon.'Sofia: 'Bless him. Bring Ava. She can judge the venues with more sense than Daniel.'I set down the phone. Return to the blank page.The entries before this one document survival. Each page a record of making it through—Ava's first words, the company nearl

Last Updated : 2025-12-01

Epilogue

The wedding planning happens in increments. Venue selected—finally. Just one. Not forty-seven. A garden in Napa with string lights and enough space for Ava to run.Invitations ordered. Guest list that keeps growing. Colors chosen after extensive debate about whether navy and burgundy are too similar to look intentional.Ava's appointed herself flower girl and ring bearer. Mr. Floppington will assist. This is non-negotiable.My parents visit monthly. My mother brings food. My father asks Adrian about intentions he's already declared.They're building something that looks like approval wearing familiarity's clothes. The first time my father called Adrian "mijo," Adrian's hands shook so badly he had to set down his coffee cup.Julian's parents send cards on Ava's birthday. Christmas. Occasional Sundays when they're thinking of her. We visit twice. They're careful. Grateful. Present in the way people are when they know their place is peripheral but valued.Owen's investigation closed. He

Last Updated : 2025-12-01

All Chapters of Marrying My Ex for Revenge: Chapter 101 - Chapter 102

Ch 100: Elena—After Everything

Epilogue