My fiancé, Brian, proposed on our sixth anniversary at a fancy restaurant. Despite his nervousness, he declared, “I want to spend the rest of my life with you,” and I accepted his beautiful ring.
However, on our wedding day, Brian didn’t show up at the altar. I later saw him signing papers in my father’s office. My father revealed that Brian had agreed to leave me in exchange for money to pay for his niece’s emergency operation. “If you don’t show up, I’ll help you,” my dad had told Brian.
Brian tearfully explained, “Maxine needs this operation. I couldn’t let her die.” I was devastated and furious with my father for ruining our wedding and manipulating Brian.
Eventually, Brian and I resolved to start a new life together. We paid for Maxine’s surgery, moved away, and built a life separate from my toxic father. Our new beginning, though born from hardship, was filled with love and hope.
