I was seconds from saying “I do” when the church doors crashed open and my father screamed that the WEDDING WAS OFF. His next words crushed my heart in a flash.
The soft gleam of morning light poured through the stained glass, painting colors across my white gown. I couldn’t stop grinning as I checked my reflection in the long mirror. It was my special day…
“You look totally gorgeous, Anna,” my best friend maid of honor, Tia, cheered as she tweaked my veil.
I smiled brightly at her, my heart pounding with excitement. “I can’t believe it’s finally here. I’m tying the knot!”
As Lia guided me into my wheelchair, a touch of my nervousness slipped in. I’d been born with a leg problem, using a wheelchair all my life. But today, I pushed that aside to feel joyful.
“Brad adores you just as you are,” Tia soothed me, holding my hand. “You two are meant to be.”
I nodded, picturing my fiancé waiting at the altar. We’d met six months back at a support group. Brad was disabled, like me, and our connection was instant and deep.
For the first time, I felt truly valued and understood.
“Remember when we were little?” Tia thought back, fixing a loose curl. “You swore you’d never marry.”
I giggled, thinking of my stubborn younger self. “Guess I needed the perfect match.”
A knock at the door jumped us. “Anna? It’s time, honey,” my mother called.
I took a deep breath, smoothing my dress. “Let’s do this. Time to get married!”
The church doors parted, and all eyes locked on me. I felt a burst of courage as my dad, James, rolled my wheelchair down the aisle.
Brad’s grin as he saw me approach made my heart flutter.
When we reached the altar, my dad leaned down to kiss my cheek. “You’re stunning, princess,” he whispered.
I smiled at him. “Thanks for being here, Dad.”
He nodded. “Wouldn’t miss it, sweetie.”
As the ceremony kicked off, I glanced at the pews for my dad’s face. He was there moments ago. I frowned when I couldn’t spot him. Where had he disappeared?
“Dear beloved,” the priest started, “we are gathered here today…”
I brushed off my concern, focusing on Brad’s warm brown eyes. This was our time, and nothing could ruin it.
“Do you, Brad, take Anna to be your lawful wedded wife?”
Brad’s hold on my hands tightened. “I d—”
Suddenly, the door burst open with a loud bang. “STOP THE WEDDING!”
My dad charged down the path, his cheeks flushed with fury. “THIS WEDDING IS CANCELED! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHO THIS MAN REALLY IS!”
I shouted, “Dad, what’s going on?!” horrified.
Dad reached us, jabbing a finger at Brad.
“Anna, hear me out. He’s a deceiver. He’s been fooling you since day one!”
I shook my head, refusing to accept it. “That’s absurd. Brad loves me!”
“He’s a fraud!” Dad insisted. “He’s done this before, preying on trusting women like you. It was all a setup… meeting you at the group, the fast romance. He’s a con artist!”
Brad’s face drained of color. “Anna, don’t believe him. It’s real!”
I looked between them, my thoughts whirling. “Dad, you can’t just throw out claims. Where’s your proof?”
A harsh smile twisted Dad’s lips. “I’ve got evidence alright.”
Dad clapped, and a waiter brought a cup. “I’m throwing this on your legs, you fraud!” Dad snarled at Brad.
Before anyone could move, he tossed the cup’s contents onto Brad’s legs.
Brad cried out and sprang out of his wheelchair.
The church fell silent. I stared in disbelief as Brad STOOD on TWO PERFECTLY HEALTHY LEGS.
Dad’s laughter sliced through the silence. “It was cold water! Now you see the truth, Anna. He’s been faking his disability!”
Tears stung my eyes as the betrayal sank in. “Brad… how could you?”
Brad’s eyes darted around. “Anna, please, let me explain—”
“Explain what? How you tricked me?”
“It wasn’t like that. My feelings are true!”
“Save it!” I snapped.
Police officers stormed into the church. “You’re under arrest for fraud…”
“Johnson?” I gasped. Everything about him was fake… even his name.
I watched in silence as they hauled him away in cuffs, my dreams shattering. The last thing I saw was the scammer looking back, eyes full of regret.
Hours later, I sat in my room, trapped in my broken world. The weight of grief felt crushing, a reminder of the future I’d lost. A knock came at the door.
“Anna?” It was my mom. “Your dad wants to speak. Can he come in?”
I sighed, wiping my face. “Fine.”
Dad entered, his earlier anger replaced by sadness. He sat on my bed, running a hand through his gray hair.
“I’m so sorry, sweetie. I know this wasn’t your dream wedding.”
I couldn’t meet his eyes. “How’d you figure it out? Why not tell me sooner?”
Dad sighed. “I saw him strolling in the garden today. It seemed off. Then I recalled he asked for money for your honeymoon, but nothing was reserved. I got wary. I hired an investigator. In half a day, we uncovered his scam. He’s done this to other women, Anna. Wealthy, trusting women like you. I wanted to expose him… publicly.”
Tears poured down. “I’m such an idiot.”
“No, honey.” Dad hugged me. “This is our fault… your mom’s and mine. We were caught up in work and forgot what mattered. You.”
I sobbed. “I was so alone, Dad. He made me feel cherished.”
“I know. I’m so sorry. Can you forgive me?”
I nodded, wiping my eyes. “I’ll try. I’m glad you’re here.”
Dad held my hand. “How about ice cream? Like old times?”
A faint laugh broke through. “Perfect.”
Weeks later, I began to heal slowly. One afternoon, I rolled into my art studio, eager to turn my pain into creation.
As I mixed colors, my phone buzzed with a text from Tia: “Holding up? Need someone?”
I smiled, touched. “I’m okay. Painting eases things!”
“Love ya! Stay tough!”
I dipped my brush in red. A phoenix began to rise on the canvas.
Mom peeked in. “Anna? Your dad and I were thinking of ordering food. Any wishes?”
I turned, touched. “Can we make dinner together? Like when I was young?”
Mom’s face glowed. “I’d love that, honey.”
As she left, I smiled at my painting. My heart was sore, my trust rattled. But I didn’t feel isolated.
Later, in the kitchen, the smell of garlic and onions wafted. Dad chopped veggies, Mom stirred a pot. I shaped dough for homemade bread.
“Remember Sundays like this?” Mom mused, smiling.
I nodded, nostalgic. “Before the business got crazy.”
Dad set down his knife. “Anna, we’re going to be better. We’ll be here.”
“We’ve missed too much,” Mom added, eyes misty. “We want to make it right.”
My throat tightened. “I want that too,” I whispered.
As we cooked, sharing laughs, I realized the love I’d chased was here. I just had to notice it.
With a broken heart and a canceled wedding, I’m still mending from the deception. I’m not healed, but I’m grateful Dad saved me from marrying a man who loved my wealth… not me.