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PART 2
The next morning, our families and friends gathered in a small chapel.
I was wearing a simple white dress, but my hands wouldn't stop trembling.
The last time I had worn white, my life had been destroyed before the sun came up.
Samuel noticed my fear and gently squeezed my fingers.
"This time you're not alone," he whispered.
Before the officiant could begin, Samuel stepped forward and turned to face the guests.
"There's something everyone needs to hear before I marry Clara," he said.
The room fell completely silent.
My parents were sitting near the back row. They had accepted the invitation reluctantly, although my father had barely spoken to me since his arrival.
Samuel held the old letter in one hand.
—Many years ago, Clara was judged for something that was never her fault—he said. —People called her a liar and dishonorable, even though she was just a child who needed protection.
A murmur rippled through the room.
Samuel continued:
The adults around her chose reputation over truth. They chose silence over protecting her. And then, when the truth became impossible to hide, they blamed the girl instead of blaming the person who hurt her.
My mother lowered her head.
My father stared at the ground.
Samuel turned towards me.
—Clara is not here because her past defines her. She is here because she survived it.
My eyes filled with tears.
