The Aftermath
Margaret stood motionless, speechless.
“You can’t just—”
But no one was listening.
The room had already moved on — from her, to me.
I rose, smoothed my dress, and took the microphone she’d abandoned.
“Thank you all for your patience,” I said warmly. “It seems there was a small misunderstanding, but everything’s under control.”
A wave of relief swept through the guests.
The celebration resumed, brighter than before.
Anna squeezed my hand.
“Thank you,” she whispered.
Across the room, Margaret sat stiff and silent — defeated, but aware that I had spared her.
She leaned in close enough for only me to hear.
“You think this makes you better than me?”
I smiled faintly.
“No, Margaret. It just means Anna matters more.”
