Contents
Chapter 10
Overview
Natalie recalls her lavish wedding to Caleb and their uncomfortable, inexperienced first night together, sealing her rapid entry into the Mills family. At the reception, her sister suspects she is pregnant. Months later, a glowing, six-months-pregnant Natalie confronts Reena, revels in her perceived victory, quits school, and plans Paris before her daughter’s birth.
Summary
Natalie and Caleb marry at his parents’ California estate, celebrated by hundreds beneath an olive tree. The reception spotlights the Mills family’s wealth and politics as Natalie wearies of donors. Her sister confides she has likely tested positive for pregnancy, while her husband Bryce drinks and behaves erratically.
Leaving the party at midnight, Natalie and Caleb attempt their first sexual experience. Both are virgins and anxious; Caleb struggles to perform, making the consummation awkward but painless for Natalie. The encounter confirms their inexperience and Natalie’s mix of devotion and disappointment.
About a year later, now six months pregnant, Natalie runs into Reena, who is reeling from humiliations in her dating life and facing a grueling McKinsey internship. Natalie, radiant and self-satisfied, contrasts her happiness with Reena’s dread, mentally condemning Reena’s path.
Emboldened, Natalie announces she is leaving school as Caleb graduates, planning time in Paris before their baby—revealed to be a girl—arrives. The moment cements Natalie’s choice of marriage and motherhood over career, and intensifies her rivalry with Reena.
Who Appears
- NatalieNarrator; marries Caleb, awkwardly consummates, later six months pregnant, quits school, plans Paris.
- Caleb MillsGroom; sexually inexperienced on wedding night; graduating soon; plans Paris with Natalie before baby.
- Natalie’s sisterTwenty-one, in emerald bridesmaid dress; suspects pregnancy; worried about Bryce’s drinking.
- BryceSister’s husband; drunk and temperamental at the reception; earlier accused theft at hotel.
- ReenaFormer classmate; humiliated by relationship drama; heading to McKinsey; contrasted with Natalie’s smug happiness.