After my parents’ divorce, I wasn’t heartbroken. Their marriage had been unhappy for years, and their separation felt like a release. But as time went on, I saw how isolated my mom had become. So when she called me, her voice bright with excitement about a new relationship, I was genuinely happy for her.
She invited me to dinner to meet him. All I knew was his name—Aaron—and that he was a pastry chef. Wanting to make a good impression, I bought a nice bottle of wine, even though it meant eating ramen for the rest of the week. At 25, I was barely making ends meet while saving for my dream restaurant.
When I arrived, my mom greeted me with a wide smile. “Casey! Come meet Aaron!”
Then I saw him.
He was young—too young. My age, maybe. My stomach lurched.
“You can’t be serious,” I said.
My mom’s smile faded. “I am. We’re getting married.”
I turned to Aaron, my voice sharp. “What do you really want? Her money?”
“Casey!” Mom gasped.
Aaron didn’t react. “I love your mother. That’s all.”
But I wasn’t convinced. “This is a mistake,” I snapped before leaving.
For days, I couldn’t shake the image of them together. Was he taking advantage of her? Was she blind to it? Finally, I called her, pretending to accept it. “I overreacted,” I lied. “If Aaron makes you happy, I’ll support you.”
She was ecstatic. “Help me plan the wedding!”
So I did. I attended dress fittings, cake tastings, and venue visits—all while watching Aaron, waiting for him to reveal his true colors.
Then, the day before the wedding, everything changed.
Mom forgot her phone at home, so I went back to get it. While searching, I found a locked drawer in her desk. I forced it open.
Papers spilled out.
One caught my eye—a debt notice in Aaron’s name. Another—property documents with my mom’s name, but signed by him. My heart raced. Proof he was scamming her!
I rushed back to the venue, shoving the papers at my mom. “Look what he’s done!”
Her hands trembled as she read them. Then, quietly, she said, “Casey… these debts are for you.”
Aaron stepped forward. “Your mom told me about your restaurant dream. We were buying one for you. The debt is from finalizing the deal early.”
The room spun. I’d been so wrong.
“I’m sorry,” I whispered.
Aaron just nodded. “Let’s get married.”
As I sat down, shame washed over me. I’d almost ruined my mom’s happiness—all because I refused to see the truth.
