When Eleanor criticized her for “not giving the wedding full attention,” Mia replied evenly, “I’m just balancing priorities.” The older woman scoffed, clearly unaware that the young woman she was trying to undermine was already building a formidable future that wouldn’t depend on their family name.
Mia soon won the confidence of the vendors and event planners. Rachel, the florist, tipped her off when Eleanor tried changing the floral order again. The photographer offered a private contract, saying, “You seem like the one actually getting married.” It was the first genuine laugh Mia had had in weeks.