‘It was just cold water,’ my dad said, his voice hard. ‘But now you see—he’s been faking his disability all along.’
Tears welled in my eyes as the betrayal crashed over me. ‘Kevin… how could you?’
Kevin’s face was frantic. ‘Esther, please, let me explain—’
‘Explain what?’ I snapped, my voice cracking. ‘That you’ve been lying to me? Using me?’
‘It wasn’t like that,’ Kevin pleaded. ‘I do love you!’
‘Enough,’ I said, my heart breaking. ‘I don’t want to hear another word.’
Just then, police officers entered the church. ‘Johnson, you’re under arrest for fraud and grand larceny,’ one of them said.
‘Johnson?’ I whispered, realizing even his name had been a lie.
I stood frozen as they led Kevin away in handcuffs, my dreams shattered in an instant. He glanced back at me, his eyes filled with regret, but I couldn’t bring myself to look at him.
Later that day, I sat in my bedroom, feeling the weight of heartbreak. My wedding day had turned into a nightmare. A soft knock came at the door.
‘Esther?’ It was my mother. ‘Your father wants to talk to you. Can he come in?’
I sighed and nodded. Dad entered, his earlier fury replaced with sorrow. He sat on the edge of my bed, his voice gentle. ‘I’m sorry, sweetheart. I know this isn’t how you imagined today.’
I couldn’t meet his eyes. ‘How did you know? Why didn’t you say anything sooner?’
‘I saw him walking this morning,’ Dad explained quietly. ‘Then I remembered he asked for money for your honeymoon, but nothing had been booked. I hired a private investigator, and in just a few hours, we uncovered everything. He’s done this before to other women.’
Tears spilled over as shame and hurt overwhelmed me. ‘I feel so foolish.’
Dad pulled me into a hug. ‘This isn’t your fault. Your mother and I… we should’ve been more present. We got so caught up in our own lives, we didn’t see what was happening to you.’
I cried into his shoulder. ‘I was so lonely, Dad. Kevin made me feel special.’
‘I know, princess. And I’m truly sorry. Can you forgive us?’
I wiped my tears. ‘It’ll take time, but I’m glad you’re here now.’
Dad smiled softly. ‘How about we start with some ice cream? Just like old times?’
Weeks passed, and slowly, I began to heal. One afternoon, I wheeled myself into my art studio, determined to turn my pain into something beautiful. As I painted, a sense of calm settled over me.
Later that night, my parents and I made dinner together, sharing stories and laughter. For the first time in years, I didn’t feel alone. I realized that the love I had been searching for had been with my family all along.
Though my heart had been broken and my trust shaken, I knew I would eventually be okay. My father saved me from making the biggest mistake of my life, and for that, I was grateful.