When my parents divorced, I wasn’t upset. Their marriage had been strained for so long that their separation felt like a relief. But as the years passed, I noticed how lonely my mom had become. So when she called me one night, her voice bubbling with excitement about a new man in her life, I was thrilled for her.
She invited me to dinner to meet him. All I knew was his name—Aaron—and that he was a pastry chef. Determined to make a good impression, I bought an expensive bottle of wine, even though I could barely afford it. At 25, I was scraping by, saving every dollar for my dream of opening a restaurant.
When I arrived at her house, my mom greeted me with a radiant smile. “Casey! Come meet Aaron!”
Then I saw him.
He was young—too young. Maybe my age. My stomach twisted.
“Are you serious?” I demanded.
My mom’s smile faded. “This isn’t a joke, Casey. We’re in love.”
I turned to Aaron, my voice icy. “What’s your game? Her money?”
“Casey!” Mom snapped.
Aaron didn’t flinch. “I care about your mother. That’s it.”
But I wasn’t buying it. “This is a mistake,” I said before storming out.
For weeks, I couldn’t stop thinking about it. Was he using her? Was she being naive? Finally, I called her, pretending to make peace. “I was wrong,” I said. “If Aaron makes you happy, I’ll support you.”
She was over the moon. “Help me plan the wedding!”
So I did. I went to dress appointments, cake tastings, and venue tours—all while watching Aaron like a hawk, waiting for him to slip up.
Then, the day before the wedding, everything unraveled.
Mom forgot her phone at home, so I ran back to get it. While searching, I found a locked drawer in her desk. I pried it open.
Papers scattered across the floor.
One stood out immediately—a debt notice in Aaron’s name. Another—property documents with my mom’s name, but signed by him. My blood ran cold. Proof he was after her money!
I sprinted back to the venue, shoving the papers at my mom. “Look what he’s done!”
Her hands shook as she read them. Then, softly, 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.”
My legs nearly gave out. I’d been so wrong.
“I’m sorry,” I choked out.
Aaron just nodded. “Let’s get married.”
As I took my seat, guilt crashed over me. I’d almost destroyed my mom’s happiness—all because I refused to see the truth.
