My wife, Rachel, and I had just returned from our honeymoon when her best friend let slip that our relationship began as a pity date. Devastated, I fled to a motel, but when I returned home seeking answers, I discovered Rachel had been hiding an even darker secret.
Just yesterday, I thought I was the luckiest man in the world. I’d just returned from an amazing honeymoon with the woman of my dreams, and we were settling down to start the rest of our lives together.
Our closest friends, Dan and Emily, had come over for a “welcome home from your honeymoon” dinner. Everything was going great until Emily started slurring her words.
That’s always when the truth comes out, isn’t it?
Tongues get loose when the wine flows a little too freely and people say things they shouldn’t.
Rachel had outdone herself with dinner, as usual. The remains of her famous lasagna sat cooling on the coffee table, and the scent of garlic bread still lingered in the air.
She always went the extra mile when we hosted, even for casual get-togethers like this. It was one of the countless things I loved about her.
“God, these pictures are gorgeous,” Emily gushed, swiping through photos on Rachel’s phone. Her cheeks were flushed pink from the third (or was it the fourth?) glass of cabernet.
“The Maldives must’ve cost a fortune though.”
I laughed, catching Dan’s eye. “Don’t remind me. Between the wedding expenses and the honeymoon, I’ll be eating ramen for months.
I still can’t believe the flowers cost $3,500!”
Dan whistled. “Remind me not to use your florist when Emily and I tie the knot.”
Rachel tensed beside me, so slightly I almost missed it. Almost.
Looking back now, I should have noticed how she’d been flinching just a little whenever money came up.
“Are your Dad’s treatments going any better?” Dan asked Rachel, reaching for his wine glass. “Last time you mentioned they were trying something new?”
Rachel’s smile faltered for just a moment. “He has good days and bad days.
Mom’s keeping me updated… she sounded hopeful the last time we spoke.”
I leaned over and rubbed her arm. Rachel’s father had been sick for a while and it was hard for her since her parents lived on the opposite end of the country.
“That’s great to hear!” Dan grinned. “It’s a pity he couldn’t make it to your wedding, though.”
The story doesn’t end here — it continues on the next page.
Tap READ MORE to discover the rest 🔎👇
