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.