Pennie was never one to hide her feelings. Hearing Edith’s words, she practically stomped her foot in frustration, her voice sharp with indignation. “Are you seriously going to stand there and throw shade at Lucille in front of me? Let me tell you something–so long as Lucille is around, you’ll always just be the stand–in. That’s all you are! You lucked out because you happen to look like his first love. So take whatever scraps you’ve managed to get and gloat about it in private, but don’t unt it in front of me. It’s disgusting!”

Edith met Pennie’s re with calmposure. “I’m not trying to show off to anyone, and you don’t need to be disgusted. If you’d take a step back and think for yourself, you’d realize I’ve never tried to make things difficult for Lucille. Not once.”

Arms crossed tightly over her chest, Pennie sneered. “Women like you–pretending to be all sweetness and innocence–I know your type inside and out. Honestly, my husband fell for a woman who looked just like his first love, too. You people always put on a harmless act in public, but behind everyone’s backs, you’re whispering in men’s ears and stirring up trouble. Don’t tell me you haven’t made things hard for Lucille. If you really didn’t want to, you wouldn’t havee to Southborough for the wedding at all.”

Edith actuallyughed at Pennie’s twisted logic.

She could see Pennie wasn’t truly malicious–just someone being manipted as a pawn by others.

“First of all, before I came to the wedding, I didn’t even know Lucille existed. Second, I’m Justin’swfully wedded wife. It’s perfectly normal for me to apany him to a family wedding. But as for Lucille…”

She paused, letting her words hang in the air.

Pennie waved dismissively. “Don’t bother badmouthing Lucille to me. Our friendship isn’t something you cane between.”

Edith smiled gently. “I have no intention of ruining your friendship. I just want to point out that today is your big day—your wedding. Yet, here you are, upset and embarrassed. But if your dear friend Lucille had really wanted to spare you this, she could have. If she’d chosen not to show up, everyone here could’ve had a perfectly joyful and dignified celebration.”

Her words hit Pennie like a bucket of cold water, snapping her halfway back to her

senses.

b15:45 /b

Edith knew better than to push her luck. Say too much, and people start to question your motives. Sometimes, it’s best to leave them space to think things through on

their own.

With that, she fell silent and stepped out of the restroom.

Lucille caught sight of Edith returning to the dining room, her face pale, and a faint smile flickered in her eyes.

With Pennie’s temperament, even if she didn’t break you, she’d make you shed ayer

of skin.

As Lucille waited for Pennie to strut back triumphantly, she was surprised to see her friend returning with her head bowed, looking thoroughly deted.

Lucille frowned and pulled Pennie over. “What’s wrong? You go to thedies‘ room ande back all out of sorts–are you feeling alright? Worn out from the day?”

Pennie, usually quick to brush off concern, instead fixed Lucille with a serious look. “Lucille, when I get scolded or put in a difficult spot, does it really upset you?”

Lucille blinked in surprise, then smiled warmly. “You’re my best friend. Of course it upsets me I hate seeing you hurt.”

Pennie bit her lip, ncing at Edith before looking away. “Am I really your best friend? Then why, when I told you about my wedding but didn’t mention Justin would be here, you said you were stuck overseas finalizing your divorce and probably couldn’t make it. But the moment you found out Justin wasing, you wrapped up your divorce in record time and rushed right back?”