When parents divorce, it often brings pain and suffering to their children.
However, in my case, I felt relieved. I still loved both of them, my mom and my dad, but their marriage had been hard to watch.
As I grew up, I encouraged my mom to find someone new. She often told me how lonely she felt, especially on quiet evenings spent at home. So, when she called me one day, her voice full of excitement, announcing that she had a boyfriend she wanted to introduce me to, I was genuinely happy for her.
To make the introductions, she invited me to dinner. All I knew about him was that his name was Aaron and that he was a pastry chef.
The desire to make a good impression made me buy a bottle of wine on the way. With my tight budget, it was a luxury — one that meant I would be eating instant noodles for the rest of the week. I was struggling financially, saving every penny to fulfill my dream of opening a restaurant.
When I arrived at my mom’s house, a wave of emotions washed over me. Within seconds, the door swung wide open.
— Casey! You finally made it! — my mom smiled. — I was just about to call you when the doorbell rang!
I gave her an encouraging nod. — I’m sure everything will be fine. You chose him, so how could I not support you?
We entered the living room together, but the moment I stepped in, my stomach tightened.
At the table sat a man about my age, with dark hair, a well-groomed beard, and a confident posture. I looked at my mom, who continued to smile as if everything was perfectly normal.
She was looking back and forth between me and him, waiting for my reaction. But I was left speechless, frozen in place.
— Is this a joke?! — I raised my voice more than I intended. — Is this some kind of prank?!
— Casey, this is not a joke — my mom said calmly. — Aaron and I are dating.
I turned to him, my anger boiling. — Why are you with her? For her money?
— Casey! — my mom was shocked.
I ignored her and clenched my fists. — You need to break up!
My mom’s expression hardened. — We are not breaking up! — she said firmly. — Aaron proposed to me, and we are getting married in two months!
Aaron’s jaw tightened. — Casey, I promise you I don’t care about your mom’s money. I love her.
My mom sighed, clearly exhausted. — I’m tired of all this yelling. Either you calm down and stay for dinner, or you leave.
— Perfect! — I replied sharply. — If some random guy is more important to you than your daughter, then I’m leaving!
For days, I struggled to accept that my mom was engaged to someone my age.
At night, I lay awake, replaying the dinner scene.
Eventually, I called her, pretending I wanted peace. — I overreacted — I said in a forced cheerful tone. — I want to make things right. If Aaron makes you happy, I will support you.
She was thrilled. — That means the world to me, Casey! — she said. — I want you to be part of everything. Let’s plan the wedding together.
So I went to dress fittings, tasted cakes, and helped with decorations. But deep down, I still had doubts about Aaron.
A few days before the wedding, I realized I had nothing concrete against him. I looked for flaws, but found nothing. Maybe I was wrong. Maybe he really loved my mom.
One evening, I gathered my courage and told her: — I accept Aaron and fully support you. Now it’s official.
On the wedding day, as we rushed to the venue, my mom gasped. — Oh no! I left my phone at home!
I offered to go get it. Back at the house, I searched every room. No sign of the phone. Then I noticed a locked drawer next to her desk. On impulse, I forced it open.
Papers scattered to the floor.
As I gathered them, I spotted in large letters on one document — Debt Notification.
All of it was in Aaron’s name. My heart began to race. Then I found another document — property deeds. My mom’s name was there, but the signature at the end was not hers. It was Aaron’s.
— Stop the wedding! — I shouted, bursting into the room.
I handed the documents to my mom. As she read them, her hands trembled. Then she covered her face.
— Casey… — she whispered. — These debts… are because of you.
Aaron stepped forward. — Your mom told me you always dreamed of having a restaurant. I was buying one for you with the wedding money.
She sighed. — We had to finalize the purchase sooner than we planned. I didn’t have enough funds, so I covered the difference. That’s why there is debt.
I felt overwhelmed with shame. — I’m so sorry — I murmured. — And you too, Aaron. I was too harsh.
Aaron’s voice remained calm. — Casey, take a seat so we can continue the ceremony.
I hesitated, then nodded slowly. My legs felt weak as I walked back. The weight of my mistake pressed heavily on me.
This work is inspired by real events and people, but has been fictionalized for creative purposes. Names, characters, and details have been changed to protect privacy and enhance the narrative. Any resemblance to real persons, living or dead, or actual events is purely coincidental and not intended by the author.
The author and publisher do not assume responsibility for the accuracy of events or how characters are portrayed and are not liable for any misinterpretations. This story is provided “as is,” and any opinions expressed belong to the characters and do not reflect the views of the author or publisher.
