Chapter 22 opens with Phoebe driving alone in the Mercedes toward the Breakers, lost in deep contemplation about happiness and fulfillment. As she drives past the grand mansions that line the way, she can’t help but reflect on the wedding preparations underway—preparations for an event that is destined not to happen. She observes how everything around her seems meticulously curated, with each house perfectly positioned to suggest wealth and comfort. Yet, despite the outward appearance of perfection, Phoebe questions what it really means to have everything and still feel empty. What is it that people are lacking when their lives appear so complete on the surface? The stark contrast between the beauty of her surroundings and her inner turmoil captures the complexity of her situation. She is approaching a pivotal moment, aware that she is carrying a difficult truth with her—Lila will not be attending her wedding to Gary, something Phoebe must soon reveal to him.

When Phoebe arrives at the venue and speaks to Gary, she delivers the difficult news with careful consideration. She recognizes his stoicism in the way he listens, acknowledging that he has already accepted the inevitable. Gary’s response, though calm, carries a deep sense of emotional resignation, embodying the quiet defeat that so often accompanies unspoken pain. Phoebe, feeling the weight of the moment, practices the words she will speak aloud to the crowd: “Lila and Gary will not be getting married today.” The announcement lands with a mixture of confusion and disappointment, as the guests, who had gathered in anticipation, now find themselves questioning the purpose of their presence. The extravagant cost of the event seems absurd, a non-event that has caused much more expense than anyone anticipated. Meanwhile, the mystery surrounding Lila deepens—she is said to be at the hotel, preparing to leave for Canada, leaving everyone to wonder why she would abandon such a significant moment. Her absence casts a long shadow over the ceremony that never truly began.

Once the crowd begins to disperse, Phoebe and Matt cross paths, and their encounter signals a turning point. Phoebe opens up to Matt, explaining her decision to stay in St. Louis no longer. She shares her intention to leave him and pursue her own dreams, a future that will involve living in a nineteenth-century mansion and dedicating herself to writing. These ambitions are not driven by bitterness, but by the desire to carve out a life of her own, one that reflects her personal goals and aspirations. Matt listens with concern, trying to grasp the magnitude of her decision. There is a sense of bittersweetness in their conversation, as they navigate the emotions tied to the end of their relationship. Matt offers his thoughts with a mix of humor and worry, reflecting on their academic lives and what they had once planned together. The conversation reveals how far they have drifted apart, and despite the tenderness of the exchange, there is a deep sadness that underscores their words. It’s a conversation filled with love, but also the painful recognition that their paths have diverged, leading them in different directions.

Despite the heavy emotions in the air, Phoebe finds a moment of levity. She opens a bottle of champagne, the sound of the cork popping offering a brief respite from the tension. They share a toast, and in that fleeting moment, the weight of their conversation is momentarily lifted. It’s a bittersweet celebration of the changes they both face, a quiet acknowledgment that life will move forward, regardless of the pain it brings. Phoebe, in that brief moment of shared joy, feels a mixture of sorrow and liberation. The champagne, a small indulgence, tastes of possibility and new beginnings, even as it symbolizes the end of something that once was. The toast is a tribute to their shared history, and also to their individual futures, now separated by their choices. As Phoebe takes a sip, she feels a growing sense of clarity about who she is and what she wants from life. In this quiet celebration, she also finds strength in her ability to navigate the unknown, realizing that she is on the cusp of something entirely new.

The chapter ends with Phoebe recognizing the subtle, yet profound, changes she’s undergone. Her optimism remains intact, but it is now tempered by the wisdom that comes with facing difficult decisions. There is no longer the same sense of hesitation that once marked her, replaced by a sense of readiness to step into the next chapter of her life. The juxtaposition of sadness and liberation adds complexity to her journey, hinting at the growth she has experienced through the challenges she has faced. Phoebe’s willingness to embrace the changes in her life—both personal and professional—marks a turning point in her character arc. As she savors the moment, she understands that the small steps she takes toward her future will be what ultimately defines her. The bittersweet taste of champagne becomes symbolic of the new possibilities that await her, even as she grapples with the remnants of her past.