After a chance encounter and years of dating, Ryan and Hanna are about to walk down the aisle and commit to each other. But when Ryan’s mother reveals an incriminating video of Ryan with another woman, Hanna feels her heartb reak. But later, the truth of the video is revealed, along with more deceit than Hanna ever expected.
Do parents just enjoy dropping bombshells before weddings? When I say before—I mean 30 minutes before?
Because that’s exactly what Ryan’s mother did.
Ryan and I met two years ago—it was one of those by-chance meetings. I was at the community theatre because one of my friends, Mila, was in the local musical with her directorial debut.
But on what was meant to be the happiest day of my life, just before the ceremony, my soon-to-be mother-in-law pulled me aside.
“Darling,” she said. “Can we chat for a moment?”
I nodded, feeling a sudden wave of unease as I watched her fidget. Her eyes darted around the room, landing too often on my wedding dress.
When my mother finished buttoning my gown, I turned to Audrey. “I’m ready when you are.”
She hesitated, her eyes glazing over as she took me in. “Hanna, there’s no easy way to say this.”
My heart pounded. “Just say it.”
Audrey pulled out her phone. “There are videos on here. I am so sorry, Hanna, but Ryan needs to be caught.”
The videos revealed him with another woman. My mind spun. “Are you sure?”
“Look at the jacket on the bed,” she whispered. “You bought him that.”
I pressed play again. The hotel room was familiar. My stomach twisted.
I wanted to deny it. “His face isn’t in the frame.”
“Hanna,” she said gently. “It’s right in front of you. Can you live with this?”
Tears burned my eyes. I exhaled sharply. “Fine.”
“You’re calling off the wedding?” Audrey asked, hope in her voice.
“No,” I said. “I’m walking down that aisle. And when it’s time for our vows, I’ll end it then.”
Minutes later, my father walked me to the altar. Ryan squeezed my hand, oblivious.
The priest spoke about love and commitment. When it was my turn, my heart steadied.
“I don’t,” I said.
Gasps filled the church.
“Hanna?” Ryan’s voice cracked. “What?”
I turned to Audrey. “Tell them.”
The church fell silent. Audrey handed me her phone, and I showed Ryan.
He staggered back. “That’s not me!”
I refused to meet his eyes.
“Mom?” His voice sharpened. “What is this?”
Audrey walked away, leaving us in stunned silence.
I couldn’t bear his excuses. “I can’t do this.”
I fled the church, my parents close behind.
For two days, I ignored Ryan’s calls—until he showed up at my parents’ house.
“I need to talk,” he said.
Against my better judgment, I listened.
“I confronted my mom,” he admitted. “She orchestrated it all. The people in the video are her students. She didn’t want us to marry.”
Shock rippled through me. Audrey had set me up.
Ryan sighed. “She said adding my jacket was a nice touch.”
I felt sick. I had convinced myself Ryan was the villain. But the betrayal ran deeper.
Audrey had called me the daughter she never had—only to shatter me.
Ryan and I forgave each other. But Audrey? I didn’t know if I ever could .
