With just a week left until our wedding, I was completely overwhelmed. Between work, last-minute preparations, and trying to keep it all together, I felt like I was barely holding on.
Patrick and I were living with my parents temporarily to save up before the big day.
That afternoon, I left work earlier than usual—I wasn’t feeling right. I pulled into the driveway, entered quietly through the side entrance… and froze.
There were sobs coming from the living room.
I tiptoed closer, my heart pounding in my chest. When I peeked around the corner, I felt a wave of nausea.
Patrick was on his knees. Crying. Begging.
My mom stood in front of him, stone-faced. Then, in a chillingly calm voice, she said,
“Fine. I won’t say anything—but only if you agree to ONE condition.”
Patrick’s voice cracked. “Please, Diane. I’m begging you. Don’t do this to me.”
That was it. My stomach sank. My head spun.
What was he hiding? What had he done?
I couldn’t stay quiet any longer. I stepped into the room.
“Don’t do what?” I demanded, my voice trembling.