On what should’ve been the happiest day of her life, Gina steps away from her wedding celebration—only to stumble upon a discovery that threatens to shatter the joy. As the laughter fades and buried truths emerge, she’s forced to confront the real meaning of family. Some bonds are meant to last forever. Others? Better left behind.
There’s a moment in every wedding where the bride feels untouchable. For me, that moment was right after our first dance.
Joshua twirled me like we were spinning through space, just the two of us. His hand rested warmly on my back, and his smile outshone even the chandelier above. The applause slowly faded, replaced by the soft chime of toasts being poured, and for the first time in a long time—I felt complete.
We’d made it. This was the good part.
But it didn’t last.
I slipped upstairs to our hotel room to catch my breath. My cheeks were sore from nonstop smiling, and my heels were threatening to mutiny. The room was blissfully quiet—just a floor above the music, but it felt like another world.
I touched up my lipstick in the mirror, ready to rejoin the celebration… when I spotted the wedding card box.
It was supposed to be simple: a silver-embossed box with velvet ribbon, sitting on a flower-adorned table labeled “Cards & Wishes for the Couple.” Guests had been asked to leave envelopes there as they arrived, and the hotel staff promised to move it to our room once dinner started.
But now, standing alone in that room, I was staring at the box—ripped open and completely empty.
I stood frozen. Maybe the planner had picked it up? Maybe Joshua moved the cards?
I scanned the room. Nothing. Not on the dresser, not by the window, not even in the corners.
Just the ruined lid and a few ribbons swaying beneath the ceiling fan.
My stomach dropped. The box had been looted. Someone had walked in—maybe even smiled on their way out—and stolen everything.
Inside had been money, checks, and heartfelt notes from the people who came to support us. And now, it was all gone.
I didn’t think. I just ran. Back down into the crowd. Back into the lights and music—desperate to find out who had done it.