I explained everything. My mother was silent for a long moment.
“Baby, I’m so sorry. I knew he could be difficult, but I didn’t realize it was this bad. Why didn’t you tell me?”
“Because he made me feel like I was the problem. Like I was overreacting.”
“You come stay with me right now. I don’t care if I’m still recovering from surgery. You’re my daughter.”
“Actually, Mom, I’m in a good place right now. I have real help. But I need you to do something for me. If Derek calls again, tell him you heard from me and that I’m safe, but don’t tell him where I am. Can you do that?”
She agreed, though I could hear the worry she was holding back.
On the fifth day, Catherine announced it was time for the next phase of her plan.
“There’s a charity gala this Saturday night,” she said over breakfast. “It’s for the children’s hospital, and it’s the biggest social event of the season. Everyone who’s anyone will be there.”
“That sounds nice,” I said, not understanding why she was telling me this.
“Derek’s car dealership is one of the sponsors. Which means Derek will definitely be there. Probably with his boss. That Brenda woman Patricia found out about.”
My heart started pounding. “You want me to go? I can’t. I’m not ready to see him.”
“I think you are,” she said gently. “But not as Derek’s meek little wife who he can intimidate. You’re going to attend as my granddaughter and heir. We’re going to show him and everyone else in that room exactly what kind of woman he abandoned at a bus stop.”
“I don’t have anything to wear to something like that.”
“Leave those details to me. Margaret has already arranged for a stylist to come tomorrow. And as for how to act, just be yourself. The real you, not the small version Derek tried to create. Trust me, dear. You’re going to shine.”
That night, lying in the comfortable bed in the blue guest room, I thought about the gala. I was terrified. But I was also something else, something I hadn’t felt in years. I was angry. And I was ready to stop hiding.
Saturday evening arrived faster than I expected. The stylist Catherine hired spent three hours transforming me. My hair was swept up in an elegant style with soft curls framing my face. The makeup was perfect, natural, highlighting features I’d forgotten I had. And the dress, a deep emerald green gown that flowed like water, made me look like someone I barely recognized in the mirror.
“You look beautiful, dear,” Catherine said when I came downstairs. She wore a stunning silver gown and, despite her blindness, carried herself with absolute confidence.
“I’m terrified,” I admitted.
“Good. That means you care. But remember, you’re not going there to win Derek back. You’re going to show him what he lost. There’s a difference.”
Thomas drove us to the hotel. As we pulled up to the entrance, I saw photographers and elegantly dressed people walking a red carpet.
“I can’t do this,” I whispered.
Catherine took my arm firmly. “Yes, you can. Keep your head high. You belong here just as much as anyone else.”
We stepped out of the car, and immediately flashbulbs went off. People recognized Catherine Wilmington instantly. I heard whispers and murmurs as we walked into the grand ballroom. The space was enormous, decorated with flowers and twinkling lights. An orchestra played soft music in the corner. I felt completely out of my depth.
Then I saw him.
