The moment Edward and I walked into the wedding venue, Max noticed us. His eyes traveled from Edward\u2019s suit to my dress before his face twisted into a familiar, cruel smile. \u201cYour boyfriend?\u201d he laughed. \u201cNobody like him would date you. Did you pay him to come here?\u201d My cheeks burned, and for a moment, I was thirteen years younger again, standing in our bedroom while Max explained everything he believed was wrong with my appearance. Before I could respond, Edward calmly reached for a beautifully wrapped box. \u201cActually, Max, I brought you a wedding gift.\u201d Inside was an enormous pair of old trousers.<\/p>\n
Max looked confused until Edward explained that they had belonged to him when he was much heavier. Years earlier, Edward had believed he didn\u2019t deserve birthday cake because of his size. Then I had told him how my own husband made me feel as though I had to change my body to deserve love. \u201cShe never treated me like I was broken,\u201d Edward said. \u201cShe never told me I had to become someone else before I deserved happiness.\u201d The laughter around us faded. For the first time that afternoon, Max had nothing to say.<\/p>\n
\n THE STORY CONTINUES ON THE NEXT PAGE… \ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\ud83d\udc47\n <\/p>\n