{"id":2707,"date":"2024-12-11T09:03:41","date_gmt":"2024-12-11T09:03:41","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/?p=2707"},"modified":"2024-12-11T09:03:43","modified_gmt":"2024-12-11T09:03:43","slug":"my-son-brought-his-fiancee-home-the-moment-i-saw-her-face-and-learned-her-name-i-immediately-called-the-police-22","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/archives\/2707","title":{"rendered":"My Son Brought His Fianc\u00e9e Home \u2013 The Moment I Saw Her Face and Learned Her Name, I Immediately Called the Police 22"},"content":{"rendered":"<header class='\"entry-header\"'>\n<div class='\"entry-content\"'>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36' contentrenderer_paragraph-first___d_vf>When my son brought his fianc\u00e9e home, I was thrilled to meet the woman who\u2019d stolen his heart. But the moment I saw her face, my excitement was gone. I already knew her and soon had her locked in my basement.\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>The urge to protect your child never goes away. I\u2019m a mother in her 50s, living in a quiet suburban neighborhood with my husband, Nathan. We\u2019ve been married for over 25 years, and we have one son, Xavier, who\u2019s the light of our lives.\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\/7teDRnaDjGmXoFKfV0pWPSCqdRBVFWMM6oSn7cwUJvk\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vMWYyZWQ0MDNkODRjOWU5ZTkwNWIxNDU1NzQyM2JlMTRmZDBjNzU2MjRjY2JkNTc2M2U2YWQyOGU0YjIwNzBiNS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.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/1f2ed403d84c9e9e905b14557423be14fd0c75624ccbd5763e6ad28e4b2070b5.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' couple with their son source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A couple with their son\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>He\u2019s 22 now and almost out of college. Although he moved away years ago, we\u2019re still a close-knit family. At least, I thought so until a few weeks ago when Xavier shocked us with one phone call.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>It was a normal Tuesday evening. Nathan and I were in the living room, half-watching TV and half-dozing off, when the phone rang.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cMom, Dad, I\u2019ve got some big news!\u201d Xavier boomed through the line. \u201cI\u2019ve met someone. Her name\u2019s Danielle and she\u2019s amazing. We\u2019ve been dating for three months, and\u2014\u201d He paused dramatically. \u201cI proposed, and she said yes!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<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\/cAOeXPENmImCS0CS5fuk2vixfCd9uKAEu5dQHsZC43A\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vY2JiNzhjZmU5Y2FmYjZkNDU1OWNmNmVhYTVlMDI3MDZlYTkzNzljYTY0NmE3MmEyZTVmODUyMTk4MzE4ODAyMC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.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/cbb78cfe9cafb6d4559cf6eaa5e02706ea9379ca646a72a2e5f8521983188020.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man proposing source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man proposing\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I couldn\u2019t speak for a second. There was a lot to process. Woman. Three months. Proposed? \u201cWait, you\u2019re engaged?\u201d I asked, glancing at my husband, whose jaw was practically on the floor.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cYup! I wanted to tell you sooner, but Danielle\u2019s pretty shy. She wasn\u2019t ready to meet you guys until now, but I convinced her. Can we come over this weekend for dinner?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cOf course!\u201d I said, though my mind was already racing with worries and only a little bit of excitement.\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\/MoTim_YxBeA2HqjeMdVDRZnuNmW1PVYuEzwI-ANbp5g\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYzZkOGM4NjM0NGI1MzhhMjcxYzFjZTUwMDM5NzVhNTVhMTAxNWUzOTk1NzlkNGQ4MTNmNDhkMjA3Zjk3YWM0Mi5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.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/c6d8c86344b538a271c1ce5003975a55a1015e399579d4d813f48d207f97ac42.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman on the phone with surprised eyes source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman on the phone with surprised eyes\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Xavier hadn\u2019t mentioned a single girlfriend during his four years at college. No stories about dates, no pictures, nothing. Now he was engaged after dating for only a couple of months! That was insane.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>After we hung up, I spoke to my husband. \u201cWhat do we know about her?\u201d I asked Nathan as we tidied up the house in preparation for the weekend. \u201cWhere\u2019s she from? What does she do?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cSweets, you heard the same things I heard,\u201d Nathan smiled at me. \u201cMaybe he\u2019s just smitten. You know how young love is.\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\/EdLxzSnvmAf-E_vJgOQ78Le-U1wjZeui3ejC9z_7KCY\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGMzZjM5NjlkMzQ3YWQ3NDNjZmRlOTZjMTkwZDM3OTlkYjU2Yzk0ZDRlZmZmNDJkMTVjYWYwNDJkNDM1ZDVjOC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.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/dc3f3969d347ad743cfde96c190d3799db56c94d4efff42d15caf042d435d5c8.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man smiling source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man smiling\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>That didn\u2019t ease my nerves. I tried calling Xavier the next day to ask more questions, but his answers were vague. \u201cShe\u2019s from around here,\u201d he said, and I could hear the smile in his voice. \u201cShe\u2019s incredible, Mom. Just wait until you meet her. You\u2019ll find out all you need to know!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>With those words, I decided to let go of my worries for now and focus on the future. I had to prepare for this momentous event. Nathan also reminded me of the possible benefits of our son getting married: grandchildren!\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\/aoIvFLquk8s2wbBN7kFmgwC9O7mePbZKiaQfekIzCR8\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZjhkMTQ0MGVmODZjYjQ5ZjhiZWVmZjVjM2U0ZTg2MzMyMmQ0OGE4NDE1MmY5ZjcwM2NmNzc3NzU0NzVlN2U0NC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.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/f8d1440ef86cb49f8beeff5c3e4e863322d48a84152f9f703cf77775475e7e44.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' dreamlike shot of two toddlers source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A dreamlike shot of two toddlers\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>So when the big day arrived, I went all out. I roasted a chicken, baked a cherry pie, and set the table with our nicest dishes.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Nathan splurged on some pricey steaks, too. \u201cThis is just in case she prefers beef to chicken. First impressions matter, right?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cOf course, sweets!\u201d I told him. \u201cWait, do you think I should make another dessert in case she doesn\u2019t like cherry pie?\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>We spent all morning like that. Nathan even mowed the lawn, although I had no idea how that would be helpful. But it got us even more excited.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<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\/6XNM_jDjjcNHLl-MfU4VzjxA4Lq75vnSzmFs6H2PhiE\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZWIzZjk3MDEyZGMyMTFhNTczMWRjNGNlNTdkZGQwOTM3NDgyYWQ2N2ZiODFiNjFhY2FlZDcxNjllOTZiMTEyMy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.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/eb3f97012dc211a5731dc4ce57ddd0937482ad67fb81b61acaed7169e96b1123.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man with lawnmower source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man with lawnmower\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>By the time the doorbell rang, we couldn\u2019t contain our smiles. We must have looked like two people in a horror movie because Xavier stepped back once we opened the door.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWelcome!\u201d I said, almost screaming.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Xavier smiled tentatively and introduced us to Danielle, who was standing shyly beside him with her shoulders hunched and a small smile.\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\/sDW9Mjiw_rKlPGADC7qptJEoLiZinFd5QchVRfJaBR4\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZWUyMzYyYjJjOTAyMTUzMTVmZjI4OTA4ZmNlMDBjZTQ3YWY2ZGFkMzNkNjdhNmE1MmZmZTgwNjNkZDM3Njk3ZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.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/ee2362b2c90215315ff28908fce00ce47af6dad33d67a6a52ffe8063dd37697d.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' couple on a front porch source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A couple on a front porch\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She was petite, with dark hair and big eyes. Beautiful, really, and she looked good next to my son. But her face\u2026 it took only a second for me to recognize her.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Still, I smiled as I welcomed them inside, but I was panicking for a very valid reason.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Just a few months ago, my friend Margaret showed me a photo of a woman who had scammed her son. He had fallen for this woman, who\u2019d convinced him to buy her an expensive engagement ring and give her thousands of dollars for \u201cwedding expenses.\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\/xQcbMokEg_-qcqiVkcz6mR9LSXd7BEI6wNpbw_2UyII\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vNjQ5YWYyYjJhMjc5Y2E1YTFmZDM5MjU4ZTJiYWI0Yjk0OTc1ODgwMzM5YmJlOTE4NTBkMDQxMmI0Yzk4NGVjYS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.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/649af2b2a279ca5a1fd39258e2bab4b94975880339bbe91850d0412b4c984eca.png%5C%22" alt='\"Engagement' ring source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>Engagement ring\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Then, she\u2019d disappeared without a trace. Margaret was devastated and had shared the photo with everyone she knew, hoping someone might recognize the scammer. And now, here she was, standing in my living room.\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Her hair was a different color, much darker, and she might be wearing blue contact lenses, but I recognized that face. And what happened next was a blur.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Somehow, we sat down. I served dinner, and everyone was talking animatedly. I even answered when I could. But I couldn\u2019t stop staring at Danielle. I also checked my phone discreetly, trying to find the photo Margaret had sent. I must\u2019ve erased it.\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\/sWUit5ryt7Q5Bb61VjhA7OOew-3jWxPX3gvWcKHuTKM\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZGJjZWY0ZWM3M2ViNTgxMmEyZjA3MDA3NDI0ZTJkNDg2ZWYzMzNhOTgzMTQ4NWZkMDA4ZGUzZTQyNWMyNmE3MC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.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/dbcef4ec73eb5812a2f07007424e2d486ef333a9831485fd008de3e425c26a70.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' dining table full of food source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A dining table full of food\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I\u2019d have to call her later. Suddenly, Nathan coughed. He\u2019d noticed my distraction and asked me to help him in the kitchen.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat\u2019s going on, Evangeline?\u201d he whispered once we were alone.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThat\u2019s her,\u201d I said urgently. \u201cThe scammer Margaret told us about. I\u2019m sure of it.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cWhat? The one who broke her son\u2019s heart and stole everything?\u201d Nathan frowned, hands on his hips. \u201cAre you positive? It could just be someone who looks like her.\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\/8OMzpU-0BS4ZyJqRsdWd9rgpwHLmxFk53EE286c7oos\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYTRhM2RhOGYwMDI2NGUzYWFlYmQ2YWY4OTk0MTM0NjM5YThjMjUzNzY2YWRiYTc2MjM2Y2UyYzAxZWM5ZDM1ZC5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.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/a4a3da8f00264e3aaebd6af8994134639a8c253766adba76236ce2c01ec9d35d.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' man looking worried source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A man looking worried\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cI\u2019m telling you, Nathan, it\u2019s her,\u201d I insisted. \u201cMargaret shared that photo everywhere she could for months after she disappeared. I need to do something before she hurts Xavier too.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Nathan sighed but didn\u2019t argue. \u201cJust\u2026 be careful. Let\u2019s not accuse anyone without proof.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>When dinner ended, I\u2019d come up with a plan and set it into motion. \u201cDanielle, would you help me pick out a wine from the basement?\u201d I asked, trying to keep my voice steady.\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\/gTlDJggWe759duK43fRZZQCYKSAWllOquvs_X5esk8E\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vYWQ1YWVlMThhNTgwYjk5YjljNGMwOWFhMDY1Y2FiMGM3ZDM5YzE5ODcwYmM4OGY2OTkwMjMxZjZiYTA0MWEyZS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.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/ad5aee18a580b99b9c4c09aa065cab0c7d39c19870bc88f6990231f6ba041a2e.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman at a table smiling awkwardly source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman at a table smiling awkwardly\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>She hesitated but nodded. \u201cSure,\u201d she said, standing up.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I led her downstairs, trying to be as casual as possible. Luckily, she was shy enough that conversation wasn\u2019t that important. But the moment she stepped into the dimly lit basement, I turned and locked the door behind her.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>My hands were shaking as I hurried back upstairs. \u201cNathan, call the police. Now!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Xavier shot up from his seat, brows furrowed. \u201cMom, what are you doing?!\u201d he demanded.\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\/5Q_EY7giOtzL8Y5T6LNx04vv3yW1YQ9FuVMmrKW8MfI\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vY2RmN2UzMmU2NGUwZTZiZjJmNjIxZTcxNjJmNjk1Y2Q5ZjYxM2Y3MTg0ZDYzMGQ2NDIyYWM2YzViODE5N2RiYy5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.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/cdf7e32e64e0e6bf2f621e7162f695cd9f613f7184d630d6422ac6c5b8197dbc.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' young man confused source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A young man confused\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>\u201cThat woman is not who she says she is,\u201d I said firmly. \u201cShe\u2019s scammed people before. I\u2019m protecting you.\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<div class='\"adv\"'>\n\n<div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Xavier looked like I\u2019d slapped him. \u201cWhat? No! You\u2019re wrong! Danielle\u2019s not a scammer. She\u2019s kind, she\u2019s honest, and she\u2019s my fianc\u00e9e!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I ignored him, called Margaret, and explained the situation. \u201cSend me that photo of the scammer,\u201d I begged my friend and hung up. Seconds later, my phone buzzed with the image. It was her. There was no doubt in my mind.\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\/9J4HLTXGD2edOmjkQu_5BOqzkWuNY2dAYlXeRGrCS0A\/rs:fill:375:0:1\/g:no\/aHR0cHM6Ly9jZG4uYW1vbWFtYS5jb20vZjg5YTQ2ZmZmOTc0YWMzZWM1Y2RiOTdiMjJkZmFiNGJmZGE2ZTZmODk5MTc4Y2NjMTc3N2NhODk5MzAxNjM0YS5wbmc_d2lkdGg9MTM0NCZoZWlnaHQ9ODk2.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/f89a46fff974ac3ec5cdb97b22dfab4bfda6e6f899178ccc1777ca899301634a.png%5C%22" alt='\"A' woman wiht blonde hair source: midjourney width='\"1344\"' height='\"896\"'>\n\n<p class='\"Image_title__T6_we\"' data-testid='\"image-source\"'>A woman wiht blonde hair\n\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>I turned my phone to my son and husband. \u201cSee? I\u2019m not crazy!\u201d\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Luckily, the police arrived shortly after and confirmed I wasn\u2019t crazy. I was just wrong.\n\n</p><div>\n<p class='\"ContentRenderer_paragraph__B2z36\"'>Xavier went down to let Danielle out of the basement. And for some reason, she wasn\u2019t scared. She was frustrated but\u2026 amused.\n\n\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"</p><p>When my son brought his fianc\u00e9e home, I was thrilled to meet the woman who\u2019d stolen his heart. But the moment I saw her face, my excitement was gone. I already knew her and soon had her locked in my basement. The urge to protect your child never goes away. I\u2019m a mother in her [&hellip;]\n","protected":false},"author":2,"featured_media":2708,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[1],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-2707","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-uncategorized"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2707","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=2707"}],"version-history":[{"count":1,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2707\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":2709,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/2707\/revisions\/2709"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media\/2708"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=2707"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=2707"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/momentsunfolded.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=2707"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}</p></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></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></div></div></picture></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></picture></div></div></div></div></div></div></div></picture></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></header>