The Day Everything Felt Perfect — Until It Didn’t
Our wedding had been delayed after Richard’s aunt passed away. But when the new date finally came, it felt like the universe had given us its blessing.
The ballroom glowed with golden light. Natalie spun in her tulle dress, giggling with my nephew. I remember thinking, We made it. We’re here.
Then she tugged my gown.
Her cheeks were pale now, her voice a shaking whisper.
“Mom… look at Daddy’s arm. I don’t want another dad.”
I knelt. “What do you mean, sweetheart?”
“There’s lipstick,” she said, glancing toward Richard. “Dark red. I saw him pull his jacket on really fast when he saw me looking. That’s… cheating, right?”
My smile froze. My pulse roared in my ears.
