Then you blocked her too.
Julian did not disappear, but he did not force his way into your life either.
That mattered.
He sent the dinosaur book. Then a short note to Mateo apologizing for the frightening wedding in words a child could understand. Then he gave you space.
A month later, he emailed you the wedding planner communications because he thought you deserved to know the truth. You read them after Mateo fell asleep.
Isabella had written:
Seat Elena near the service doors. She’ll bring the kid even though I asked her not to. I want the toast funny but sharp. People need to understand why I made better choices.
Your mother replied:
Don’t be too harsh. Just enough that she remembers this is your day.
Just enough.
Just enough to shame you.
Just enough to make Mateo cry.
Just enough to remind you where they thought you belonged.
