“Take It Off”

Olivia heard the words behind her.

She turned.

“What?”

Vanessa pointed toward the necklace.

“Please take it off for the ceremony.”

Olivia stared at her.

“No.”

Vanessa seemed surprised.

“I am asking you respectfully.”

“And I’m respectfully saying no.”

“Olivia.”

“My dad already knows I’m wearing it.”

Vanessa’s expression tightened.

“This is not your father’s decision.”

Olivia almost laughed.

“It’s also not yours.”

Vanessa stepped closer.

“It is my wedding.”

Olivia replied:

“And it’s my necklace.”

Vanessa Said the Photos Were the Problem

She tried another argument.

Every professional photo from that day would include the necklace.

Family portraits.

Ceremony pictures.

Reception photographs.

Vanessa didn’t want to look at her wedding album years later and see a symbol of Michael’s marriage to another woman.

Olivia couldn’t believe it.

“You think people are going to look at a tiny blue necklace and think about Mom?”

“I will.”

That answer stopped Olivia.

For the first time, she realized Vanessa wasn’t angry.

She was insecure.

That didn’t make Olivia want to remove it.

But it changed the argument.

Olivia said:

“I’m not wearing this for Dad.”

Vanessa looked at her.

“I’m wearing it for me.”