The story is narrated by Elaine, the mother of the groom, Jacob. Elaine was overjoyed that her son, a logical software engineer, was marrying Lila, a woman she instantly adored and considered the daughter she always dreamed of having. Lila had told Elaine that she had always wanted a mother and quickly formed a close bond with her, sharing details about the wedding planning.
The Warning Signs
Elaine admits she felt a subtle unease about Lila’s so-called “father.” He was a tall, handsome man who seemed far too young to be her dad—only about ten years older than Lila at most—with dark, cold eyes. He was evasive whenever Elaine asked about Lila’s mother, only stating that “She passed.” Despite this, Elaine’s husband, Gerald, dismissed her concerns, saying the man was just “private.”
The Joy and the Shock
Minutes before the ceremony, Lila pulled Elaine aside in the dressing room and shared wonderful news: she was pregnant. Elaine was ecstatic, overjoyed at the thought of a grandchild, and promised to keep the secret.
Ten minutes later, as the ceremony was about to begin, Jacob stood at the altar, pale and trembling with fury. He looked past Lila, staring directly at her “father,” and declared: “The wedding is off.”
The Betrayal Unveiled
Jacob revealed that he had gone to find Lila to share his excitement about the baby but instead overheard a devastating conversation between her and her “father” behind the guest house.
Jacob’s voice cracked as he repeated what he heard: “I heard you say, ‘What if the child looks too much like you? They might suspect!'”
A collective gasp swept through the guests. Jacob then pointed at the man and revealed the final piece of the shocking puzzle: “And then… I saw you kiss him. On the lips, Mom.”
The beautiful wedding ceremony instantly imploded. Elaine realized that the man was not Lila’s father but her lover, and the baby Jacob thought was his was the man’s. Lila and the man exchanged a silent, panicked look, confirming the elaborate deception.
The Arrest
The man tried to silence Jacob, calling it a “family matter,” but Jacob screamed back that it was a scam and a crime. Elaine, heartbroken and enraged at the betrayal of her son, immediately took action, pulling out her phone and calling the police.
Lila tried to lunge at Elaine, pleading with her not to call the authorities, but the man grabbed her, realizing “It’s over.”
Within minutes, the police arrived, questioned everyone, and led Lila and the man out in handcuffs. As Lila was pulled away, she cried out to Elaine, claiming she never meant to hurt her.
Elaine comforted her devastated son, telling him, “Some people wear love like a mask… until the moment it falls.” The wedding was off, but the narrator found solace in the fact that they had exposed the betrayal and protected Jacob from a life of deception.
