The Wedding Photos Looked Different After That

Over the next few months, the family worked through the financial mess.

Sophie was able to remain at school.

Her scholarship, remaining education funds and the second account covered most of her first years.

Her parents agreed to a formal repayment plan after reviewing everything with attorneys and a financial adviser.

Ryan and Megan canceled a planned international vacation and began voluntarily sending Sophie money each month.

Sophie initially refused.

Ryan insisted.

“Consider it my extremely expensive wedding gift to you.”

For a long time, Sophie couldn’t look at Ryan’s wedding photographs.

Every flower arrangement reminded her of tuition.

Every picture of the band looked like another textbook she could have bought.

Eventually that changed.

She stopped blaming Ryan.

He had been lied to as well.

Her relationship with her parents was harder.

Trust did not return simply because the money was being repaid.

That would take much longer.