On my wedding day, my husband’s ex showed up at our bridal car and said, ‘Let me ride with you.’ He answered, ‘Laurel, just shift over a little so she can fit.’ I stepped out of the bridal car in my wedding gown and walked back into my parents’ house.

was.”

My phone buzzed.

Another apology from Ethan.

I deleted it unread.

Some women spend their lives pleading for a place beside the man they love.

By leaving that bridal car, I’d found something much more precious.

I didn’t need anyone to make space for me.

The road ahead belonged to me.