ths-HE INVITED HIS “BROKE” EX-WIFE TO WATCH HIM MARRY HER BEST FRIEND—BUT SHE ARRIVED ON A PRIVATE JET WITH HIS TWINS, AND THE SECOND HIS OLD BRIEFCASE APPEARED, THE BRIDE …

“And about my friend, his name is Juliano. He’s kind, funny, and yes, he’s someone special to me. But I need you all to know something very important.”

They waited.

No one will ever replace your father. He is your father. That doesn’t change. But I also have the right to be happy. I have the right to have someone in my life who cares about me. Is that okay?

Evan looked at Emilia, some silent twin communication. Finally, Evan said:

Does he make you smile?

— Yes.

— Real smiles, not those fake ones you give when Dad talks about Tessa?

Rebekah’s heart broke. They noticed. Of course they noticed.

Genuine smiles.

Then I guess everything’s fine.

Emilia nodded.

When are we going to meet him?

— This weekend. Saturday. We’re going to the park, getting ice cream, just strolling around. No pressure. If you don’t like it, that’s fine. But I hope you’ll give it a chance.

“Okay,” they said together.

That night, after they had gone to sleep, Rebecca called Diana.

He told them I was lazy, that I let myself get carried away, that nobody would want me.

“That… — Diana stopped, took a deep breath. — He said that to eight-year-olds?”

Apparently.

Rebeca, you need to document this. Tell your lawyer. This is parental alienation. You can use this.

— I know. I will. But right now I just need to tell someone, because if I don’t say it out loud, I’ll scream.

Then shout. I’ll wait.

Rebeca screamed into her pillow, loudly, for a long time, furiously. When she finished, Diana said calmly:

– Better?

– A little.

— Great. Now listen. Juliano meeting the kids this weekend is huge. It’s the right move. But you need to be prepared for…

– What?

— For them to love him. Because if they love him and he leaves, it will destroy them. It will destroy you. So you need to be sure. Absolutely sure, that he’s really into this.

– I am sure.

— Do you? Because two weeks ago, you were ready to hide forever.

Rebeca remained silent.

I’m terrified. Every single day, I wake up hoping he’ll realize I’m not worth it. That he made a mistake. That he can do better.

— Those are Garrett’s words in his head, not the truth.

How do I tell the difference?