I dreamed of a small, perfect beach wedding. I invited my three closest friends—Jess, Marcy, and Aly—as bridesmaids. I paid for their flights, the Airbnb, even made gift bags. They skipped my welcome dinner, showed up late to the rehearsal smelling of tequila, and mocked my plans. I kept smiling—until the night before the wedding, when I overheard them.

“Hayley thinks she’s a beach princess.” That dress was Etsy desperation.”“Ryan could’ve done better.” Their laughter cut deep.The next morning, with Ryan’s help, I slipped envelopes under their  door: one-way tickets home. No note.

No explanation. By noon, three other friends stepped in as my bridesmaids, calm and kind. When the originals confronted me, I said, “You kicked yourselves out. Leave the dresses. My friends will wear them.” They left before the ceremony.

And my wedding was everything I dreamed of—peaceful, joyful, filled with love. Guests never asked where the others went. No one needed to. Sometimes I see old photos and feel a pang, but not regret. Just relief. Because when they left, the whole island exhaled. So did I.