CHAPTER 8: THE NEW BEGINNING
James was nothing like Daniel.
He was patient. He was kind. He never raised his voice. He never made me feel small.
He listened to me. He supported me. He loved me for who I was, not for what I could give him.
He didn't want my money. He didn't want my connections. He just wanted me.
I didn't know what to do with that at first. I was so used to being used, to being taken for granted, to being invisible.
But James showed me that love didn't have to hurt.
He showed me that I was worthy of respect.
He showed me that I could trust again.
We dated for two years. Then he proposed.
I said yes.
The wedding was small. It was just us, a few close friends, and my therapist.
I wore a white dress and carried a bouquet of sunflowers.
James wore a navy suit that matched his eyes.
We exchanged vows in a garden, surrounded by flowers and the sound of birds.
I cried.
James cried.
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And we promised to love each other forever.
It was the happiest day of my life.
