I was moments away from saying “I do” when the church doors slammed open and my father yelled that the WEDDING WAS OFF. His following words broke my heart in an instant.
The gentle shine of morning light streamed through the stained glass, casting colors over my white dress. I couldn’t stop smiling as I looked at my reflection in the tall mirror. It was my important day…
“You look completely beautiful, Prim,” my best friend maid of honor, Wist, encouraged as she fixed my veil.
I smiled widely at her, my heart beating with happiness. “I can’t believe it’s finally happening. I’m getting married!”
As Wist helped me into my wheelchair, a little of my anxiety showed up. I’d been born with a leg issue, using a wheelchair my entire life. But today, I set that aside to feel excited.
“Cruz loves you exactly as you are,” Wist comforted me, holding my hand. “You two are perfect together.”
I nodded, imagining my fiancé standing at the altar. We’d met six months earlier at a support group. Cruz was disabled, like me, and our bond was immediate and strong.
For the first time, I felt really accepted and understood.
“Remember when we were young?” Wist remembered, adjusting a loose curl. “You promised you’d never marry.”
I laughed, recalling my determined younger self. “Guess I needed the right partner.”
A knock at the door surprised us. “Prim? It’s time, honey,” my mother called.
I took a deep breath, straightening my dress. “Let’s go. Time to get married!”
The church doors opened, and everyone looked at me. I felt a surge of bravery as my dad, Ledg, pushed my wheelchair down the aisle.
Cruz’s smile as he watched me approach made my heart race.
When we got to the altar, my dad leaned down to kiss my cheek. “You’re gorgeous, princess,” he whispered.
I smiled at him. “Thanks for being here, Dad.”
He nodded. “Wouldn’t miss it, sweetie.”
As the ceremony started, I looked at the pews for my dad’s face. He was there just before. I frowned when I couldn’t see him. Where had he gone?
“Dear beloved,” the priest began, “we are gathered here today…”
I ignored my worry, focusing on Cruz’s warm brown eyes. This was our moment, and nothing could spoil it.
“Do you, Cruz, take Prim to be your lawful wedded wife?”
Cruz’s grip on my hands grew stronger. “I d—”
Suddenly, the doors burst open with a loud crash. “STOP THE WEDDING!”
My dad rushed down the aisle, his face red with rage. “THIS WEDDING IS CANCELED! YOU HAVE NO IDEA WHO THIS MAN REALLY IS!”
I shouted, “Dad, what’s happening?!” shocked.
Dad got to us, pointing at Cruz.
“Prim, listen to me. He’s a liar. He’s been deceiving you from the beginning!”
I shook my head, not accepting it. “That’s ridiculous. Cruz loves me!”
“He’s a fake!” Dad insisted. “He’s done this before, targeting trusting women like you. It was all planned… meeting you at the group, the quick romance. He’s a con man!”
Cruz’s face lost all color. “Prim, don’t believe him. It’s real!”
I looked between them, my mind spinning. “Dad, you can’t just make claims. Where’s your proof?”
A cold smile appeared on Dad’s lips. “I’ve got proof alright.”
Dad clapped, and a waiter brought a cup. “I’m throwing this on your legs, you fraud!” Dad growled at Cruz.
Before anyone could stop him, he splashed the cup’s contents onto Cruz’s legs.
Cruz shouted and jumped out of his wheelchair.
The church became quiet. I stared in shock as Cruz STOOD on TWO PERFECTLY HEALTHY LEGS.
Dad’s laugh broke the silence. “It was cold water! Now you see the truth, Prim. He’s been faking his disability!”
Tears filled my eyes as the betrayal hit me. “Cruz… how could you?”
Cruz’s eyes looked around. “Prim, 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 rushed into the church. “You’re under arrest for fraud…”
“Wick?” I gasped. Everything about him was fake… even his name.
I watched quietly as they took him away in cuffs, my dreams breaking apart. The last thing I saw was the scammer looking back, eyes full of regret.
Hours later, I sat in my room, stuck in my shattered world. The weight of sadness felt overwhelming, a reminder of the future I’d lost. A knock came at the door.
“Prim?” It was my mom. “Your dad wants to talk. Can he come in?”
I sighed, wiping my face. “Fine.”
Dad came in, his earlier anger replaced by sorrow. 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 look at him. “How’d you find out? Why not tell me earlier?”
Dad sighed. “I saw him walking in the garden today. It seemed wrong. Then I remembered he asked for money for your honeymoon, but nothing was booked. I got suspicious. I hired an investigator. In half a day, we uncovered his scam. He’s done this to other women, Prim. Wealthy, trusting women like you. I wanted to expose him… publicly.”
Tears streamed down. “I’m such a fool.”
“No, honey.” Dad hugged me. “This is our fault… your mom’s and mine. We were busy with work and forgot what mattered. You.”
I cried. “I was so lonely, Dad. He made me feel special.”
“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 small laugh escaped. “Perfect.”
Weeks later, I started to heal bit by bit. One afternoon, I wheeled into my art studio, ready to turn my pain into art.
As I mixed colors, my phone buzzed with a text from Wist: “Holding up? Need someone?”
I smiled, moved. “I’m okay. Painting helps!”
“Love ya! Stay strong!”
I dipped my brush in red. A phoenix started to appear on the canvas.
Mom looked in. “Prim? Your dad and I were thinking of ordering food. Any requests?”
I turned, touched. “Can we cook dinner together? Like when I was little?”
Mom’s face brightened. “I’d love that, honey.”
As she left, I smiled at my painting. My heart hurt, my trust was broken. But I didn’t feel alone.
Later, in the kitchen, the scent of garlic and onions filled the air. Dad chopped vegetables, Mom stirred a pot. I shaped dough for homemade bread.
“Remember Sundays like this?” Mom remembered, smiling.
I nodded, feeling nostalgic. “Before the business got busy.”
Dad put down his knife. “Prim, we’re going to do better. We’ll be here.”
“We’ve missed too much,” Mom added, eyes teary. “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 looked for was here. I just had to see it.
With a broken heart and a canceled wedding, I’m still recovering from the lie. I’m not healed, but I’m thankful Dad saved me from marrying a man who loved my money… not me.