The church was full on the wedding day.

When the doors opened, everyone turned to look at me.

At the altar, Jack took my hands.

“You look incredible,” he whispered.

I smiled. He looked confident—and that was exactly what I needed.

The officiant began. “Dearly beloved, we are gathered here today—”

“Wait, please.” I turned to my maid of honor.

She handed me the envelope. I opened it and pulled out the document.

Jack’s face drained of color.

“You don’t love me. You owe your ex-wife money, and you thought marrying me would solve that,” I said.

A gasp echoed through the room.

Jack shook his head. “That’s fake. Where did you get that?”

I looked toward the back. “Laura?”

Heads turned.

Laura stood.

Shock rippled through the guests.

“I saw you with her the day you asked for more time,” I said. “I followed her. She told me everything.”

“It’s not—” he turned on Laura. “You ruined everything.”

She walked forward. “I told you to get a job, Jack. You thought this would be easier.”

I slipped the ring off and placed it in his pocket.

Then I faced the room. “This wedding is off.”

I stepped down and picked up Diana.

“Mom? Was that the plan?”

I exhaled softly. “Yes, baby. But everything is okay now.”

And it was—because the only person who truly mattered was safe in my arms.

Maybe I would find love again.

But next time, I wouldn’t be so easily charmed—or deceived.