{"id":1369,"date":"2024-11-29T03:11:28","date_gmt":"2024-11-29T03:11:28","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/?p=1369"},"modified":"2024-11-29T03:11:31","modified_gmt":"2024-11-29T03:11:31","slug":"my-newly-adult-daughter-almost-married-an-old-man-i-was-shocked-until-i-found-out-the-truth-story-of-the-day","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/archives\/1369","title":{"rendered":"My Newly Adult Daughter Almost Married an Old Man, I Was Shocked until I Found out the Truth \u2013 Story of the Day"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class='\"entry-header\"'>\n<p>My 18-year-old daughter fell in love with a 60-year-old man and was marrying him against my wishes. She claimed she was madly in love with this guy. I was shocked when I discovered a chilling truth about him.\n</p><div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The late afternoon sun bathed the living room as I sifted through mundane mail, the doorbell\u2019s chime announcing Serena\u2019s early arrival from her part-time job. She breezed in, her vibrant presence filling the space with energy and the scent of vanilla. I eagerly waited for this time of the month when she\u2019d visit me.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cHey, Dad! You won\u2019t believe what happened with my roommate, Jessica\u2026\u201d Serena paused, sensing my unease. \u201cEverything okay?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYeah, yeah,\u201d I said. \u201cEverything\u2019s great. Come on in, honey.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSo,\u201d I began, \u201cyou were saying\u2026\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/x4K-OIDrSK2fhoLHDDjK2y1xjxNU37_8-mO57mTZQAw\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZjRmOWVjMjViOWIxODQ4NThlMmEyNWMxYmY2MWQxMjY3Mzc4Y2FlNjk1OWFlN2FkMTc2YmRhYTNlMjE5MjRhYS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9Mjg3Ng.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/f4f9ec25b9b184858e2a25c1bf61d1267378cae6959ae7ad176bdaa3e21924aa.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"2876\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only\n\n\n</p><div>\n<blockquote class='\"ContentRenderer_blockquote__DAX00\"'>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYeah, Dad. Actually\u2026I met someone, and he\u2019s like all nice and caring. Edison. Really loves me. We want to get married. But he\u2019s\u2026\u201d\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cBut?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cHe\u2019s sixty.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The word \u2018sixty\u2019 hit me hard.\u00a0<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>My daughter, eighteen, with a man sixty \u2014 almost thrice her age?\u00a0Concern and disbelief clouded my judgment. \u201cSixty, Serena? That\u2019s\u2026 can\u2019t you see the issue here?\u201d\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAge doesn\u2019t define love, Dad. Edison understands me, believes in me.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cBut what about the future, Serena? He\u2019s much older.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cLove isn\u2019t about numbers, Dad. It\u2019s about feeling seen, loved, cared for, and Edison makes me feel that way,\u201d Serena\u2019s voice trembled with conviction. \u201cPlease, can you at least meet him once? Trust me, you\u2019ll love him.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/8OAkFIPiujTzyAWu8-gGc7bgM-TLxHLXcYkUHhViWL0\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZTFmYWQwZTk3NGE5NDk0ZTYzN2Q1ZTc5OTBiMjlhOTQxY2YwNzcwYjRlODZmZThjMDJiMmRmM2QyODJjMzI3ZC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9Mjg4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/e1fad0e974a9494e637d5e7990b29a941cf0770b4e86fe8c02b2df3d282c327d.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"2880\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I was shocked beyond words.\u00a0<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>Was Serena not realizing what she was talking about?\u00a0Yet, I couldn\u2019t refuse her. After all, what harm could a meeting do? I agreed to meet this Edison guy.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The next night at Edison\u2019s, I needed a breather and went to the balcony. That\u2019s when a snatch of conversation caught my ear. \u201cAnnie, come on now,\u201d Edison\u2019s voice, smooth and practiced, appeared. \u201cI\u2019m your brother. You know me well. It\u2019s just a bit of harmless fun. A chance to win a little something extra.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThis is reckless, Edison,\u201d a woman\u2019s voice, probably Annie\u2019s, chided Edison. \u201cYou\u2019re toying with that girl\u2019s affections for some \u2018harmless fun.\u2019\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>A cold dread twisted inside me. \u201cWhat are you talking about?\u201d Edison barked.\n\n</p><div>\n<blockquote class='\"ContentRenderer_blockquote__DAX00\"'>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThe bet, Edison,\u201d Annie hissed. \u201cYou think marrying a naive girl is easy money to clear your debts?\u201d\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>My heart sank. Edison was using my daughter just for a bet. I was furious.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/bu4W7LGHL59Rcqx5qk3H0RGra0S6BGkJwth_YZGZaxQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZDVmNzNkM2Y2YTlkZmRmNzc1MjZhMTcwYWQ5ODUxODgyZmQ3NTVjODQ1NjhhZjYwMWViZTNlNmMzMWIxMjkwNC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9NDI3OCZoZWlnaHQ9NTQ1Mg.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/d5f73d3f6a9dfdf77526a170ad9851882fd755c84568af601ebe3e6c31b12904.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: getty images width='\"4278\"' height='\"5452\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I rushed back in and found Serena. \u201cSerena, we\u2019ve been fooled! It\u2019s all a game to him!\u201d I blurted out.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDad, what are you talking about?\u201d Serena looked so confused and then shocked as I told her about the bet.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cHe\u2019s lying to you, Serena! He\u2019s just using you,\u201d I said, my voice cracking.\n\n</p><div>\n<blockquote class='\"ContentRenderer_blockquote__DAX00\"'>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But Serena got defensive. \u201cYou\u2019re making this up! You never liked Edison! Edison cares for me\u2026unlike you, Dad. You were never around. After Mom passed, it was like you chose your job over me. I felt alone, not like I had a dad. I didn\u2019t need those nannies and expensive boarding schools, Dad. I needed you.\u201d\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Her words stung, but I knew we had to deal with Edison\u2019s deception first.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Then, I saw him entering the dining room. Edison. I just couldn\u2019t contain myself any longer. I lost it and punched him in the face, yelling, \u201cStay away from her daughter, you creep!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/xMTiNF6tH8MMc7m1yK9f5h5k0GUnWFPvbuBBuSruVtM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vY2UzZjUzNTdhNmFjM2Q2MTAyMWVmN2Q4ZDIwNWY1ZjcwYzA2ZWJiNTc2YWJjZGE5MGNiOTQ4NTEyMGU1OGQxYi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9Mjg4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/ce3f5357a6ac3d61021ef7d8d205f5f70c06ebb576abcda90cb9485120e58d1b.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"2880\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>But Serena was furious with me. \u201cStop it, Dad! It\u2019s my life, not yours!\u201d she yelled, pushing me back. I knew no matter what I said at that moment, Serena would not take my side. She was blinded by the fake love Edison had shown her.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I eventually left, heartbroken but not beaten. I had to save my daughter. So, I called a buddy of mine who\u2019s a private investigator. A few days later, he gave me a report about Edison\u2019s dark past of failures and gambling addiction.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>This was my shot to show Serena the truth about Edison and get her back.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The report mentioned Duke R., Edison\u2019s old business partner, who got left in the dust because of Edison\u2019s mess-ups.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The report said Duke hung out at a place called Le Beans Caf\u00e9, a little diner outside of town. I grabbed the phone number listed for Duke and called him up.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/tVmy1_g2p04S8fToFb7rr2fqArnMxwOtpWYGOGXITDU\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMDllMTBjMjRkMTlmOTIxNjMyOGM4Mzk1MjczMzQxODc3NjYzZDBlNzVlNTkzMDA4MjE4NzgwMGJhMDViMDUyYS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9Mjg4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/09e10c24d19f9216328c8395273341877663d0e75e5930082187800ba05b052a.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"2880\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>At Le Beans Caf\u00e9, under its dim lights, I met Duke. Life had been tough on him, but he was ready to spill everything about Edison\u2019s gambling issues. He wanted to help me keep my daughter safe from Edison.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>After meeting Duke that night, I went to Edison\u2019s favorite casino, pretending to be \u201cParker,\u201d a rich guy from Texas. I looked the part and had my story ready. Sitting down at Edison\u2019s table, I smiled.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWelcome, Parker. Big game tonight. Feeling lucky?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I played my cards right, literally, and ended up winning with a royal flush, beating Edison\u2019s hand. He tried to keep calm, but I could tell he was rattled.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cLooks like beginner\u2019s luck,\u201d Edison snarled.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/pe2EScaAsREa4wYHSHMOvekBXjNFbxqo-pBnfIr_o04\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzliYTc2MzkyMjk4YjNiZDBiNTc4YTYzNGJhZjdlMjFhODczNzYyNDcyMWZhZGE1NjUwYmMwNjk1N2M2NDExZi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9MTI4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/39ba76392298b3bd0b578a634baf7e21a8737624721fada5650bc06957c6411f.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"1280\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cOr maybe some of us just know how to play,\u201d I said, smiling slowly as I let him realize who I was. \u201cSurprised to see me, Edison?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He went white, finally getting what was happening. \u201cBilly? What\u2019s this about?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cIt\u2019s about Serena. Leave her alone, and we\u2019re square,\u201d I said firmly, not giving him a choice. \u201cOr,\u201d I added, \u201cyou can settle the debt right now. In cash. And let\u2019s just say, I have some\u2026 unconventional methods of collecting outstanding debts.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cFine, I\u2019ll stay away from her,\u201d he said reluctantly.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I left the casino feeling like I\u2019d won but also worried. Edison gave in too easily, and I couldn\u2019t shake the feeling that this wasn\u2019t the end of it with Serena.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/0rURoMQGDdAnbZrXqv4XMx0ECNvGHoO67CkLGag3uQg\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTIzNzhiOTM0ZmE1YTM5MGQ5NWQ4N2YxZmJjMDMwN2ExNGJjYTk4ODUxYzY5YjU5ZjhjODc3NWM0Zjk3OGM2ZS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9Mjg4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/12378b934fa5a390d95d87f1fbc0307a14bca98851c69b59f8c8775c4f978c6e.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"2880\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The next morning, fury surged through me as Serena\u2019s voicemail played yet again.\u00a0<i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>Why aren\u2019t you answering my calls, honey?\u00a0Desperation led me to call her friend, Sarah, who cheerfully informed me of Serena\u2019s engagement party to Edison, a piece of news that left me reeling.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cEngagement party? With Edison?\u201d I was shocked.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYes! Didn\u2019t Serena tell you? You should come, Mr. Thompson. It\u2019s at The Grand Springs, starts at eight,\u201d Sarah replied, oblivious to my shock.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Arriving at The Grand Springs, I was met with the sight of Serena, radiant with happiness, and Edison, oozing charm among the guests. My heart raced as I approached Edison, my anger peaking.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWe need to talk, now,\u201d I said, pulling him to the side.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cNow? During the party?\u201d Edison smirked, but I wasn\u2019t having it and dragged him into a quiet bathroom to have it out.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/OUS3Qzs0PS1xu8r8KmGgIlj7d86yD14qohDjdbu7FMQ\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vY2UwZjY5YmU4MGI0YmEyYmY5M2FmZTVkOGJlNDM2OTM3MmJjYzJiZDc4NDAzNmE2YzVhZjBiMjc0NzBhNDEyMC5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MjY5MSZoZWlnaHQ9MjA3OA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/ce0f69be80b4ba2bf93afe5d8be4369372bcc2bd784036a6c5af0b27470a4120.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: getty images width='\"2691\"' height='\"2078\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYou think you can just waltz in and take my daughter\u2019s life?\u201d I accused, pressing him against the wall.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cShe loves me. And your dirty little secrets? They could destroy you,\u201d Edison shot back, hinting he knew things about me that could hurt me.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cBut you\u2019re not going to get her. Not on my watch!\u201d I said, even though his threat to tell Serena about my past mistakes left me rattled.\n\n</p><div>\n<blockquote class='\"ContentRenderer_blockquote__DAX00\"'>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cTwo minutes, Thompson. Then I call security,\u201d Edison warned, leaving me in turmoil. \u201cYou think you can stop this, Daddykins? She loves me. She wants me. And if you try anything, if she sees even a tiny scratch on me, she\u2019ll turn her back on you forever. Is that what you want, Thompson? To be abandoned by your sweet daughter?\u201d\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>No matter how much I hated that old creep, I had to admit he was right. Serena was already against me. I couldn\u2019t afford to lose her forever.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/i1dLwdigEfSjCHyRVQjwVGxRU_d3iZrDIs_iSNvDEns\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYmQ3NTU3Y2QxNGUyYjRkZDkwNWY2ODMzMDQ5Y2EyZjM5ZWVmOTRmZTE0NzI2N2IxNmE1YmQ4NWQ3ZjE1YjU4Yi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTQ3NyZoZWlnaHQ9MTEzNA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/bd7557cd14e2b4dd905f6833049ca2f39eef94fe147267b16a5bd85d7f15b58b.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1477\"' height='\"1134\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Defeated and heartbroken, I ended up outside, the bright city lights seeming to laugh at my inability to save Serena from Edison\u2019s lies. I sat down on a bench, overwhelmed and hiding my face in my hands.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>While I was lost in my own sadness, a cough caught my attention. Looking up, I saw a woman standing there, tall and with gray hair, looking kind of gentle in the faint light. \u201cYou\u2019re Mr. Thompson, right?\u201d she asked quietly.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cAnnie? Edison\u2019s sister?\u201d I was surprised to recognize her.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She gave a small smile. \u201cYes, we\u2019ve seen each other before\u2026 At Edison\u2019s, when you tried to save your daughter,\u201d she reminded me.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I quickly told her all about the mess with Edison and how he was tricking Serena. \u201cAnd you\u2019re aware of it, too, right?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/LOF0rPIhy7i8EYBTcilp2t3KZngfsKRS6PfvDhS_WaE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMTY1ZGZmNDFhNGJmYWMyNGUyNzFmMWI3NTZlNThiNzQ0YTlmNGZlOTRlYTBjNWEyMWI4YmZmYzFmNDdkNzA4Zi5qcGc_d2lkdGg9Mzg0MCZoZWlnaHQ9MjE2MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/165dff41a4bfac24e271f1b756e58b744a9f4fe94ea0c5a21b8bffc1f47d708f.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: getty images width='\"3840\"' height='\"2160\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThat conniving weasel,\u201d Annie finally spat. \u201cHe\u2019s wasted everything \u2014 our inheritance, my savings from years of theatrical performances\u2026 all gone to feed his gambling addiction.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWe could stop him,\u201d I said, feeling she might want to help.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat do you have in mind?\u201d Annie asked.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I explained my plan to her and even offered her some money as a start. \u201cConsider this a start,\u201d I said.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI\u2019m listening,\u201d she said, interested.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>So, we went ahead with our plan at the wedding. Annie was there pretending to be just another guest. Right as Edison was putting the ring on Serena\u2019s finger, a young woman stood up and yelled, \u201cHe\u2019s a liar!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/yH4BESN89CIZFDLZIW7WOlXmY02b1cvFoSlGUjrY2qA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vODlkNTlmNWRhNTNiYzM0ZWQxNzk4YTk2ODgwZTBmMGNkMDlmNzM4NjQ4YWE0OTk0M2Y5MTA1ZTBiMDViMmVjYS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9Mjg4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/89d59f5da53bc34ed1798a96880e0f0cd09f738648aa49943f9105e0b05b2eca.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"2880\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Then another woman stood up, telling her story about Edison\u2019s lies. More people started speaking up, all exposing Edison\u2019s evil deeds.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Edison tried to deny it. \u201cNo, they\u2019re lying! I don\u2019t even know them,\u201d he said, but he was falling apart as everyone saw his true colors.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Our plan worked. The wedding turned into a place where all of Edison\u2019s lies were laid bare for everyone to see.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>In a moment filled with tension, an older woman approached Serena.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cDon\u2019t fall for his tricks, dear. He\u2019s nothing but trouble. Get away from him while you can! I\u2019ve been a victim, too,\u201d the woman said firmly. Watching through a video call, I saw Serena\u2019s world fall apart as she threw her wedding ring away, her dream of happiness shattered.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/uZ38MEn-7LcCMzl9ElYnEM0UrzoTROS-OeH84yQhUcA\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMGZiNDAyYmEyNDk4YmZlN2JlNjgxNmE2NTgyODNhOGM4ZmMyZDdiMTc2MmVkYTA5ZTYxNGQ1ZDAyOTAwNjNhNS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MzU3OCZoZWlnaHQ9NTM3Mw.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/0fb402ba2498bfe7be6816a658283a8c8fc2d7b1762eda09e614d5d0290063a5.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: getty images width='\"3578\"' height='\"5373\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>This was the climax of the plan I had made with Annie and her group of actors to show everyone who Edison really was. Serena ran out of the church, clearly hurt, but it was the only way to save her from a terrible mistake.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Then, things got even more serious when the police showed up to arrest Edison, making it clear he was finally going to face the consequences of his actions. Although it cost me a lot to get Annie\u2019s help, seeing my daughter free from Edison was worth every penny.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When I met Serena at her place later, it was a very emotional moment. \u201cDad, I\u2019m so sorry. I should\u2019ve listened to you,\u201d she cried.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I held her and showed her a plane ticket to Boston, to remind her of her dream of studying fashion design. \u201cIt\u2019s time to start over, to chase your dream,\u201d I told her.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"Image_wrapper__1NP9g' image_wrapper-vertical__pwzar>\n<div class='\"Image_container__oHMMQ\"'>\n<div class='\"Image_ref__XcBnw\"'><picture><source srcset='\"https:\/\/imgproxy.amomama.com\/viTppNny9rRCpkZRyj9D8xUTEEs793GdTWt8NfLSBwI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMzIxMTM3ODQzODJmMTgzYWE0YWM0N2RlMDg1NjllNTE4YzY0ZTdmZGQ4OTcxOWZkMjgxYmJlNDRhOWExNWQ0OS5qcGc_d2lkdGg9MTkyMCZoZWlnaHQ9Mjg4MA.jpg' type='\"image\/jpeg\"' sizes='\"(max-width:'></source><img loading='\"lazy\"' decoding='\"async\"' class='\"Image_image__11E9V' image_post-image__qntn0 src="%5C%22https:%5C/%5C/cdn.amomama.com%5C/32113784382f183aa4ac47de08569e518c64e7fdd89719fd281bbe44a9a15d49.jpg%5C%22" alt='\"For' illustration purposes only source: pexels width='\"1920\"' height='\"2880\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>For illustration purposes only\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She looked at me, grateful and hopeful. \u201cThanks, Dad. I love you,\u201d she said.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>This whole ordeal reminded me how important it is to be there for our kids and to do whatever it takes to keep them safe.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>If only I\u2019d been there for Serena, she\u2019d never have fallen for someone like Edison. I had learned a huge lesson and decided to make my daughter my priority.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><strong class='\"ContentRenderer_bold__Fo6Iz\"'>Tell us what you think about this story, and share it with your friends. It might brighten their day and inspire them.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>If you enjoyed reading this story, here\u2019s\u00a0<strong class='\"ContentRenderer_bold__Fo6Iz\"'><u>another one: A park janitor meets a lonely little girl who says she is waiting for her mom. He is surprised when he sees her again the next day, still sitting on the same bench, and calls the police.\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'><i class='\"ContentRenderer_italic__eQgX6\"'>This piece is inspired by stories from the everyday lives of our readers and written by a professional writer. Any resemblance to actual names or locations is purely coincidental. All images are for illustration purposes only. Share your story with us; maybe it will change someone\u2019s life. If you would like to share your story,\n\n</i></p><p>&nbsp;\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>My 18-year-old daughter fell in love with a 60-year-old man and was marrying him against my wishes. She claimed she was madly in love with this guy. I was shocked when I discovered a chilling truth about him. The late afternoon sun bathed the living room as I sifted through mundane mail, the doorbell\u2019s chime [&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":1370,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-1369","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1369","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/2"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=1369"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1369\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":1371,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1369\/revisions\/1371"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/1370"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=1369"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=1369"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=1369"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></div></u></strong></p></div></strong></p></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></blockquote></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></i></p></div></div></div></blockquote></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></header>