As we reached the car, I caught my reflection in the window. Normally, I would have inspected my waist, adjusted my clothes, and wondered what Max might criticize. This time, I simply looked at myself. I hadn’t suddenly become a different woman, and all my insecurities hadn’t disappeared in one afternoon. But something important had changed. I no longer felt that I needed to win my ex-husband’s approval to enjoy my own life.

Edward opened the passenger door, and I thanked him for coming. He had agreed to be my fake date, but he had given me something far more meaningful than a romantic performance. He reminded me that I was worthy of kindness long before anyone chose to stand beside me. My daughters climbed into the back seat, laughing and asking where we were going. I drove away from that wedding feeling lighter than I had in years. Max had once made me believe I wasn’t enough. That day, I finally understood that I never needed his permission to feel beautiful, loved, or complete.