At 45, my mom finally found love again, and I wanted to be happy for her. But when I met her fiancé, something felt off. The more I looked into him, the more convinced I became—I had to stop this before it was too late. When my parents divorced, I was relieved.
Their marriage was lifeless, and I wanted my mom to find real happiness. Over the years, I encouraged her to date, even setting up a profile for her. But no one caught her interest—until Aaron. Excited, she invited me to dinner to meet him. I expected someone kind and mature. Instead, I was stunned—Aaron was 25, just two years older than me.
Shock turned to anger. “Are you kidding me?” I demanded. My mom insisted they were in love, but I couldn’t accept it. Something felt wrong. Was he after her money? I stormed out, determined to stop this before she got hurt. Determined, I pretended to accept him, joining wedding preparations while secretly watching for proof of his deception. But Aaron remained polite, steady—almost rehearsed. As the wedding day neared, doubt crept in. Could I have been wrong? Then, fate intervened. Mom forgot her phone, and when I went to retrieve it, I found a locked drawer. Inside—debt notices.
Property papers signed in my mom’s name but bearing Aaron’s signature. Heart pounding, I raced to the wedding and burst in. “Stop! He’s using you!” I shouted, waving the papers. Gasps filled the room. Mom took them, her hands shaking. Then she whispered, “Casey… these debts are because of you.” “What?” My voice wavered. Aaron stepped forward. “Your mom told me you dreamed of owning a restaurant. We were buying one for you as a surprise. I covered the remaining cost.” The ground beneath me shifted. Mom’s eyes burned with frustration. “Aaron even offered to be your pastry chef—for free.” Guilt crashed over me. “I… I didn’t know.” Mom’s voice was cold. “Leave. I don’t want you here.” Tears stung my eyes. But Aaron intervened. “Sandra, she’s your daughter. You’ll regret pushing her away.” He turned to me. “Take your seat so we can continue the ceremony.” Shame filled me, but I nodded. I had tried to stop a con artist—only to nearly ruin my family instead
