When Kathy’s son, Michael, and his fiancée, Vanessa, decided to get married, Kathy was thrilled. The pair had been together for ages, and marriage seemed like the next logical step. Little did Kathy know, Vanessa had intentions to seduce Kathy’s husband for money—a move Vanessa never imagined would come back to haunt her. Would Michael find out about this betrayal?

Reflecting on my life fills me with pride. My husband, Robert, worked hard to establish a successful business from scratch, allowing us to enjoy a comfortable life without letting wealth change who we are. People in our community respect us for our kindness and willingness to help others without pretense.

Our son, Michael, truly emulates our values. He’s dedicated, trustworthy, and has been in love with Vanessa since high school. Their relationship seemed destined for forever.

“Mom, I love her! Vanessa is everything I picture in my future wife, and she fits so well with our family. Don’t you agree?” Michael asked me one day, filled with enthusiasm.

“Of course, I do,” I replied, serving us slices of freshly delivered chocolate cake. “Your dad’s fond of her, too. So, if you wish to take things further, we’re fully supportive.”

Vanessa came from a humble background. Raised by a single mother who juggled several jobs to get by, Vanessa’s upbringing was challenging but never a concern for Michael, who was head over heels for her. His proposal six months ago was joyous, and it felt like a dream come true when their wedding plans came together.

The big day approached, filled with fragrant blooms, joyful laughter, and endless dancing. While I twirled on the dance floor with Michael, Vanessa mingled with guests. Everything was flawless until it wasn’t.

Just when I started wondering about Vanessa’s whereabouts after not seeing her for about 30 minutes, Robert approached with a troubled expression.

“We need to talk immediately, Kathy,” he urged with a mix of urgency and firmness in his voice.

A chill ran down my spine as I realized this was serious. My husband never indulges in dramatics, so I braced for the unexpected as we stepped out of the reception room.

He didn’t waste moments diving into the revelation. “I bumped into Vanessa in the hallway while returning from the bathroom,” he recounted with visible anger and confusion. “I congratulated her again and expressed how happy we are to have her as part of the family, but she took it another way.”

“What do you mean?” I pressed, not grasping his drift.

He exhaled sharply, frustration evident. “She professed her love for me, Kathy,” he continued.

“That’s not terrible,” I remarked, nearly chuckling.

“Then, she added that she loves me more than she loves Michael—her exact words. She even attempted to kiss me, Kathy!”

My jaw dropped in disbelief.

“You’re joking!”

“Sadly, I’m not,” Robert stated. “I pushed her away, to which she shamelessly suggested meeting her in her hotel room on the third floor in 20 minutes.”

I stood there stunned, struggling to find words.

“We should both go and talk to her,” Robert proposed, placing a reassuring hand on my arm.

An unfamiliar, fierce anger rose within me. Sweet Vanessa, who had become like a daughter. Vanessa who was wearing my wedding jewelry, plotting to seduce my husband on this sacred day?

What in the world?

It took all my self-control not to confront Vanessa on the dance floor with Michael then and there. Instead, after the song, Robert and I approached Michael, who was near us.

Vanessa excused herself, saying she’d take photos with her bridesmaids, indicating she would soon slip away to meet Robert.

With Michael beside us and our close relatives informed, we moved to the hotel’s third floor. The air was thick with tension.

At the door of her room, Robert signaled for us to stay back while he knocked.

“Finally, you came,” Vanessa uttered confidently. “I’ve been waiting,” she added.

Though hidden from view, we heard her clearly as she sat on the bed, her shoes off.

“Come on in, Robert,” she cooed with seduction. “Take off my dress and let’s make it unforgettable.”

Every word cut through me, and Michael stood tense by my side.

Robert stepped inside, keeping the door slightly open.

“Vanessa,” he addressed her firmly. “What are you trying to pull here?”

Michael interrupted, bursting in. “What the hell, Vanessa? This wedding is finished. Annulment first thing tomorrow!”

Vanessa turned in shock, “Michael, wait! You don’t grasp it!” she pleaded.

“I understand well, Vanessa,” he declared. “You’re deceitful and manipulative. You never deserved to be part of this family. My parents welcomed you warmly, and this is your gratitude?”

We all entered the room, intimidating Vanessa as she shrank back. Before reality hit her, the door swung open again.

Vanessa’s mother appeared, clutching a camera.

“Vanessa?” her mom called, sounding puzzled, glancing between us all.

“What are you doing here, Mom?” Vanessa hissed.

“What do you think?” her mom countered, displaying the camera. “You asked me to record every moment, remember? Don’t deny your sly plan!”

The room fell silent as understanding dawned.

“Blackmail me?” Robert gasped.

Vanessa’s mother turned pale.

“We— it wasn’t… Vanessa, explain!”

Vanessa fumed at her mom, gesturing toward her.

“You weren’t supposed to blab, you fool!” Vanessa shouted.

Chilled terror washed over me. They had plotted this together. Vanessa’s mother had a role in their scheme to seduce and extort my husband.

“Leave,” I said sternly.

Vanessa gawked, disbelief stretching across her face.

“What? Kathy…”

“You heard right,” I reinforced. “Leave. Both of you!”

Desperate, Vanessa’s mother swooned, hands clasped. “We were at rock bottom. Vanessa is struggling, nothing in her name besides a degree. And Michael…”

“Stop now,” I commanded, raising a palm. “Michael adored Vanessa. We welcomed her as one of ours. Her reward? This?”

Even as Vanessa appeared ready to speak, my glare silenced her.

“You’re a con,” I continued. “Did you not ever love Michael? You deceived my son, all of us. You’re not the victim here. You’ve disgraced yourself and shown your true colors. Now leave before I call security.”

Grabbing her mom’s arm, Vanessa hurriedly exited, their boldness gone.

The room grew tense with their departure, and Michael sank onto the bed, burying his head in his hands.

“How was I so blind?” he murmured.

I joined him, offering comfort with an arm around his shoulder.

This wasn’t your doing,” I reassured softly. “You loved her, wished to trust and see her goodness. That’s not weakness; it’s your strength. You love deeply and see the best in others, qualities you should never lose.”

Robert lay a supportive hand on Michael’s shoulder. “We’re proud of you, son,” he said. “Your response today speaks of integrity. You genuinely deserve someone who loves you, expecting nothing.”

Though the evening blurred and word spread among guests, Michael ensured annulment by morning. Though a family embarrassment, relief washed over me. Michael deserved better—now he had the chance.

Vanessa and her mother left town soon after this debacle. Word implied their history of scams, though we opted out of pursuing them further.

In the weeks that followed, Michael relied on us as he healed. Certainly not a walk in the park, but he gathered strength day by day. And one day, while assisting in the kitchen baking, he smiled.

I knew we’d all be okay.

What would you have done?