Amber had given up on love until the day she met Steve, her father’s old friend, at a backyard barbecue. Their whirlwind romance blossomed into a heartfelt marriage, but on their wedding night, Amber uncovered a secret that changed everything she thought she knew.
It began when Amber arrived at her parents’ house, puzzled by the line of cars in the driveway. Stepping inside, she was greeted by the smoky aroma of grilling and her dad’s laughter.
“Amber!” her dad called out, flipping burgers. “Come grab a drink! Just some guys from work.”
Before Amber could settle in, the doorbell rang. “That’s Steve,” her dad said, opening the door. Standing there was a ruggedly handsome man with salt-and-pepper hair and a quiet, warm demeanor. “Amber, meet Steve.”
From that moment, Steve captivated her. His steady confidence and kind nature awakened feelings Amber thought she’d buried. When her car wouldn’t start later that evening, Steve fixed it effortlessly and asked her to dinner. Against her usual caution, she said yes.
Six months later, Amber, at 39, found herself in a wedding dress, ready to start a new chapter. Their small wedding felt like a dream come true.
On their wedding night, as Amber joined Steve in their new home, she walked into the bedroom to find him softly speaking to no one.
“I wanted you to see this, Stace,” he murmured. “Today was perfect. I wish you were here.”
“Steve?” Amber asked, her voice shaking.
Steve turned, guilt etched on his face. “I was talking to Stacy. My daughter.”
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