 |
| couple enters bathroom cubicle | source: shutterstock |
Iris, age 78, tries to present her soon-to-be son-in-law with a valuable memento, but instead witnesses him ducking into a bathroom with one of the bridesmaids. Iris follows, and the scene she encounters compels her to tell her daughter to halt the wedding.
Iris moved past a grand exhibit of sweet-smelling flowers as she made her way toward Daniel, her future son-in-law. She had brought her deceased husband's diamond accessories to the gathering as a present, hoping he would wear them during the wedding.
However, Daniel was moving too fast for Iris. She didn't want to think about it, but she was experiencing the full impact of her seventy-plus years that day. Her joints hurt, her hip was unyielding, and it felt unrealistic to be attending her fifty-year-old daughter Eliza's marriage at this point in her life.
Nevertheless, Iris felt thrilled that Eliza had finally discovered someone with whom she desired to settle down. And a good-looking man too! Iris saw Daniel approach Melissa, one of the bridesmaids who was also his business partner. He moved close to speak with her. Melissa frowned, and then they both headed toward the back of the restaurant.
He shouldn't be conducting business on his wedding day! Iris speculated as she followed the duo. They looked around before going into one of the bathrooms simultaneously. Iris paused uncertainly. Their behavior seemed odd, as if they didn't want to be seen together.
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
Iris put the accessories in her bag and moved toward the restroom. She slightly opened the entrance and entered quietly.
"I can't keep waiting, Melissa," Daniel said in a hushed tone, "I want you right here, at this instant."
"You realize we can't, honey," Melissa cooed. "If anyone discovers our secret, then our entire scheme will be ruined."
Iris shrank back against the bathroom wall, covering her mouth in disbelief. That clarified why the couple didn't want to be observed together: Daniel and Melissa were having an affair!
"Come on, darling," Daniel went on. "There isn't much time before I have to wed the dull Eliza."
"Be patient, Daniel. You simply need to remain married for a couple of months...consider the large payout we'll receive when you divorce her. Millions of dollars in property and money, available for us to take, but only if you can control yourself."
Daniel groaned. "What about later, at the reception? This location has a very isolated boathouse by the lake...we could easily disappear for some time."
"Too risky, baby. We'll continue as usual, meeting secretly after Eliza's left for work. I understand it's difficult, but it's only for a short period."
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
Iris leaned in until she caught sight of Daniel and Melissa in one of the mirrors above the sinks on the distant wall. They were tightly embracing, gazing into each other's eyes. As Iris observed from her hidden location, the pair began to kiss passionately.
If there had been any doubt about their conversation being anything other than malicious trickery, witnessing their kiss confirmed that Daniel and his business partner were criminals aiming to steal from her daughter.
"We can't do this now, darling," Melissa mumbled. "Someone might discover us...we must return to the celebration."
"Not until you promise to meet me at the boathouse afterward," Daniel responded.
Melissa giggled, and Iris quickly exited the restroom. She had heard enough! Now she had to warn her daughter that Daniel was a worthless gold-digger before Eliza made the worst decision of her life.
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
Iris carefully navigated through the tables and attendees filling the formal dining area. She soon arrived at the main table, but Eliza wasn't there. As Iris searched the room for her daughter, the MC requested everyone's attention.
"Before I invite you all to proceed to the wedding hall in the next room, the bride has a unique present for the groom," the MC announced.
Eliza walked onto the platform and took the microphone from the MC. "I realize this is somewhat unconventional," she stated, "but I'm not a traditional bride having a classic wedding, so I trust you'll all indulge me. I've waited a long time to find a man to share my life with, and I wish to give him this simple gift."
Eliza cleared her throat and motioned to the band behind her. The pianist began playing the opening notes of a well-known love song, and Iris's heart sank. A silence fell over the room as Eliza began to sing.
The sincere feeling in Eliza's voice brought tears to the eyes of many guests. Iris took a handkerchief from her bag and dabbed at her eyes as Eliza sang the final notes. The attendees applauded, and Daniel rushed onto the platform.
Eliza laughed as Daniel embraced her tightly and touched her cheek. She looked at him as if he were the brightest object in the sky. Iris cried even harder as she contemplated what she had to disclose to Eliza and how much the news of Daniel's plotting would devastate her daughter.
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
"What a lovely moment," the MC interjected. "Now, I don't think the groom wants to wait much longer after being serenaded by his beautiful bride. Let's all head to the wedding hall so these love birds can have their first dance."
The crowd moved Iris along as everyone entered the adjacent hall. At the last second, she managed to break free from the people surrounding her and hurried to the bridal party.
"Eliza, I must talk to you!" Iris said as she approached her daughter. "It's about Daniel."
"He is...Eliza, I overheard something and...oh, I'm unsure how to begin! Can we have a private moment, dear?"
Eliza chuckled in amusement. "My husband is waiting for me, Mom! We'll talk after the first dance, alright?"
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
Iris stared at Eliza. She looked stunning in her wedding attire, but more importantly, Eliza was glowing with joy.
"Are you prepared, Eliza?" Melissa moved around Iris to speak to the bride. "I'm sorry to interrupt your conversation with your mom, but Daniel is ready, and everyone is waiting for you."
"I've been ready for this for weeks!" Eliza exclaimed.
Eliza followed Melissa to the entrance with a bright smile, leaving Iris to watch her leave. Her daughter needed to know the truth, but Iris couldn't be the one to break her daughter's heart and spoil her wedding day.
Iris watched the wedding proceed in distress. She fought the urge to stand up and reveal Daniel and Melissa's affair to everyone. There was only one way to expose the jerk: Iris had to ensure Eliza caught him in the act.
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
The following Monday, Iris sat silently in the back of Eliza's SUV as the couple drove her to the airport for an early flight back to Houston. It was disgusting to witness Daniel acting so lovingly with Eliza when Iris knew the truth about him.
"You two go ahead and check in," Daniel said when they arrived at the airport. "I'll be there shortly with your luggage, Iris."
Iris nodded firmly and entered the busy airport with her daughter. This was the first moment they had alone together since the wedding. Iris felt tempted to seize this opportunity to tell Eliza everything, but it would be best to stick to her strategy.
"We'll get together again for Thanksgiving, right?" Eliza inquired as they walked toward the gate. "Perhaps Daniel and I can fly down to Houston to spend a week or two with you."
"That would be wonderful," Iris responded.
Daniel arrived with her luggage. Iris hugged her daughter and headed for the boarding area. She waited fifteen minutes, then ordered a taxi to take her back to her daughter's residence. Melissa and Daniel had planned to meet today when they spoke in the bathroom, and Iris intended to be there to catch them.
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
Melissa's stylish, silver car was parked in the driveway when Iris arrived. When Iris touched the hood, she felt the engine was still warm.
This was the ideal chance to begin her plan! She quickly called Eliza.
"Eliza, my flight was canceled," Iris reported. "I called a taxi, and I'm coming to your house, but I feel extremely dizzy and weak. Can you please meet me at your house?"
"You should have eaten something before we left, Mom. I can't leave for another half hour, but don't worry. I'll call Daniel and ask him to go home to help you," Eliza replied.
"No, don't bother him, Eliza. Please, I need you to help me...it's important."
Eliza sighed. "Okay, I'll instruct my assistant to adjust my appointments, and I'll meet you there in a few minutes, okay? Will you be alright until I get there?"
"I'll manage, but please try to come quickly," Iris replied. She ended the call and crept up to the windows at the front of the house.
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
Iris peered through the windows but didn't see anything unusual inside. She was about to move on to the next room when the door swung open. Daniel entered with Melissa in his arms. He put her down, and the pair embraced.
Iris looked back toward the street, but there was still no sign of Eliza. She frowned as she attempted to determine how long it would take for her daughter to drive home from her office downtown.
She glanced back in through the window but quickly averted her gaze when she saw how quickly the situation inside had intensified. Iris couldn't endure witnessing any more of Daniel's betrayal and felt she had already seen too much of her son-in-law.
Iris walked away and stood by the curb. She looked in both directions but didn't see Eliza's SUV.
"Where are you, Eliza?" Iris mumbled as she took out her phone. She dialed her daughter's number, but it went straight to voicemail.
Iris was about to return to the windows to record Melissa and Daniel's secret encounter when Eliza arrived.
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
"Mom, are you alright?" Eliza inquired as she got out of her car.
"No, I'm not," Iris responded. "Melissa and Daniel are having an affair! They're inside right now, being intimate on your sofa!"
"What?" Eliza looked at her house in shock. "Mom, are you positive?"
"Very sure, dear." Iris took Eliza's hands in hers.
"I overheard them on your wedding day...I'm sorry I didn't mention anything, I tried to, but I simply couldn't speak! No mother should have to crush her daughter's spirits on such a special day."
"Overheard them saying what?" Eliza frowned. "Perhaps you misunderstood, Mom."
Iris shook her head. "They discussed their affair and their plan to take half of your money when Daniel leaves you! I'm extremely sorry, Eliza. I should have informed you, but...I couldn’t bring myself to hurt you."
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
"Daniel...and Melissa?" Eliza's breathing trembled as she tried to stay calm. "I can't believe they've been having an affair behind my back this whole time. Or that he married me for my money! He's always been so kind and attentive...never acted suspiciously."
"They're in there right now, honey." Iris turned toward the house. "I know it's hard to trust someone else's words, but nobody can deny what they see with their own eyes."
"You must see it for yourself, Eliza." Iris gripped her daughter's shoulder. "Those two have made you a fool, and I realize all you want to do now is break down, but you must be strong. You must save your sadness for later because you need your anger right now, alright?"
Eliza nodded briefly and wiped her eyes. "You're correct, Mom. As much as I don't want to deal with this, the only way to handle it is to catch them now and confront them. They won't get away with this!" Eliza marched to the front door.
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
Iris followed closely behind Eliza as she unlocked the front door and entered the house. They tiptoed toward the sitting room. The sound of Daniel's quiet voice and Melissa's giggles drifted into the hallway. Eliza paused and took a deep breath before she threw the door open.
"What is happening here?" Eliza shouted.
Iris rushed in behind her but was taken by surprise by what she saw. It didn't make sense. Only minutes had passed since she looked through the front window and witnessed Melissa and Daniel's private moment, but they were now sitting on the sofa as if nothing had happened.
"Uh...Melissa and I were discussing our plan for an upcoming meeting," Daniel replied. "Didn't I mention that I'd be working from home this morning, honey?"
"You liar!" Iris pointed at Daniel. "I saw both of you, right there on that sofa...you must have seen us coming and gotten dressed so we wouldn't catch you."
"Be quiet," Eliza snapped as she approached Daniel. "My mother observed you in the bathroom on our wedding day and again, now, in our house! You were so insistent on sharing our assets and wealth when we got married, and now I understand why: you only married me for my money!"
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
"That's false!" Daniel stood up and looked into Eliza's eyes. "I told you then, and I'll say it again: being married means sharing everything. What's mine is yours...Everything I am, everything I own; I gave it all to you when I made those vows.
"I'm unsure what your mother thinks she saw," Daniel went on, "but she's wrong. Melissa and I are close, but our relationship is only business and friendship. I assumed you knew that...I assumed you trusted me."
"I did, Daniel, which is why I can't believe you've betrayed me like this!" Eliza shouted. "I poured out my heart and soul to you, you jerk! All this time, I thought I was so fortunate to find a man like you...I should have known it was too good to be true."
"No!" Daniel took Eliza's hand. "I do love you, Eliza, and I can prove it."
Daniel reached into his pocket and pulled out a set of keys. He dropped them into Eliza's palm.
"Those are the keys to our new house," he said. "I made the final payment yesterday with my money and picked up the keys this morning. Melissa was here to assist me in planning the best way to surprise you with them, but I suppose that plan is ruined now."
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels
|
"Remember that location on Oak Street with the picket fence?" Daniel smiled slightly as he tilted his head to look into Eliza's eyes. "I bought it just for you. We can move in this weekend."
"He's lying," Iris insisted as she watched Eliza lift the keys with shaking fingers.
But Eliza didn't appear to hear her. She covered her mouth with her hand as she looked into Daniel's eyes.
"You were going to surprise me?" Eliza asked.
Daniel nodded.
"I thought I'd drive you there blindfolded...lead you onto the lawn...but I suppose now I'll be staying there alone. There's no point in sharing my life with a woman who thinks I'm cheating, is there?"
Daniel snatched the keys from Eliza's fingers and walked toward their bedroom. "I'm going to pack a few essential items now, and I'll get the rest this weekend. Just let me know when you'll be gone...I don't think I can handle seeing you after what you've just accused me of doing."
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
"Wait, you can't just leave like this!" Eliza ran after him. "We need to discuss this, please! I don't want to distrust you, but I know Mom would never tell me something like this unless it's the truth."
Daniel turned to face Eliza. "As I said, I'm unsure what your Mom saw and heard, but there is nothing happening between Melissa and me. I've shown you proof, but if you don't believe in me and trust me the way I trust you...I don't know if this marriage can last."
"I do trust you, that's why it hurts so much to think of you having an affair! I love you, Daniel—"
"And I love you too!" Daniel shouted. "You're my everything, Eliza! How could you think I would cheat on you? I would never lie to the woman I loved, let alone betray her in the home we share?" Daniel shook his head. "I...I simply don't understand what I've done wrong to make it so easy for you to believe such terrible things about me."
"Nothing!" Eliza hurried toward Daniel. "You've been amazing, that's why this whole mess is so confusing! I thought we were going to catch you when I walked through that door, and now...now, I don't know."
"What does your heart tell you, Eliza?" Daniel looked into her eyes. "If you truly believe in your heart that I've been unfaithful to you, then tell me now. I'll pack my belongings, and that will be the last you ever see of me, but if you still love me and have faith in me—"
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
"I do!" Eliza placed her hands on Daniel's shoulders. "And I do trust you. I'm sorry, okay? I don't understand what's happening, but I witnessed for myself that nothing suspicious was happening when I came in here, and that's enough for me. Please, forgive me?"
Iris couldn't believe what she was hearing and seeing. She leaned back against the wall in shock as she watched Eliza and Daniel embrace.
Oh, he was an extremely good actor, that was certain, but how could Eliza let him manipulate her like that!
"Would you look at that?" Melissa peeked around the corner at the couple. "I don't know why you can't just let your daughter be happy, but it seems like your plan to break up the newlyweds has failed miserably."
"How can you deny the truth so easily?" Iris asked. "It's like you have no heart or conscience."
"You're obviously delusional, Iris. Or perhaps you need an eye exam." Melissa glanced at Daniel and Eliza before leaning in and whispering: "Most importantly, you should stop interfering where you don't belong, old woman."
It was overwhelming for Iris. Her heart raced as she turned to leave. She couldn't breathe in here. Her knees buckled as a dull ache spread through her chest. The last thing she saw was the floor coming toward her.
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
Paramedics rushed Iris to the hospital, where the doctors informed her she had suffered a heart attack. It was a scary thought. She was still processing the fact that she survived the incident when Eliza arrived to visit her.
"You gave me such a fright, Mom! I'm so happy you're okay," Eliza said as she embraced her.
"Me too," Iris replied. She then glared at her daughter. "But I'll feel much better if you tell me that you've thrown that gold-digger and his mistress out of your life."
Eliza hung her head. "Please, Mom, don't talk about my husband that way. I know you think you saw—"
"You can't intend to stay with that man after everything I told you!" Iris shook her finger at Eliza. "Wake up! He's simply using you, and all that nonsense about him buying a house and then threatening to leave you was simply his way of making you feel guilty so you would stay!"
"But doesn't that prove he loves me? After all, why would he want me to stay if he was only after my money?"
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
Eliza shook her head. "You made a mistake, Mom. I know you're only trying to protect me, but you didn't see what you believe you saw, and it's unfair to punish Daniel for something that never occurred simply because you believe it did."
"Are you even listening to yourself, Eliza?" Iris reached out and took her daughter's hand. "Dear, I understand it hurts, but in your heart, you must realize I'm being honest. Please, stop trying to pretend this didn't happen..."
Eliza stubbornly avoided looking at her mother. It broke Iris's heart to see her intelligent daughter so determined to ignore the situation, but she could see that nothing she said would change Eliza's mind. Instead, she'd have to take drastic action.
"Very well then, Eliza. If you won't acknowledge the difficult situation you're in, then things will be very different."
"What does that imply, Mom?"
Iris didn't answer. Instead, she grabbed her phone and dialed a number.
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
"Hello, Mr. Simms, I'm calling you about my will," Iris said when her lawyer answered. "I need you to make an urgent change. I've decided to leave all my wealth and assets to charity. My daughter, Eliza, is not to inherit anything. Also, I want you to freeze her bank account."
"What!" Eliza stood up, showing obvious outrage and betrayal. "You can't be serious, Mom!"
"Immediately, yes. Thank you, Mr. Simms." Iris ended the call. She looked into her daughter's eyes as she spoke. "I'm sorry, Eliza, but you left me no choice. I refuse to allow all our family's hard-earned money to be given to a man who's using you."
"Fine!" Eliza's face turned red with anger. "If you want to reject me, then so be it! You no longer have a daughter. I never want to see you or talk to you again!"
"Be sure to tell your loving husband that I froze your bank account, and you're no longer eligible to inherit a fortune...maybe then you'll realize that I'm doing this to help you, my child."
Eliza paused at the door and glanced back at Iris with narrowed eyes. Iris believed for a moment that she might change her mind and come to her senses, but then Eliza left, slamming the door.
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
The following weeks were some of the most difficult days of Iris's life. She was moved to a hospital in Houston to undergo heart surgery. Afterward, the doctor insisted on keeping her there for a longer recovery period because of her age.
It was very lonely, and despite trying to call Eliza multiple times, her daughter never answered. Iris was heartbroken. She loved her daughter more than anything and couldn't believe their relationship had reached such a dire state.
However, she had realized that Eliza needed tough love right now, regardless of her age. Love might have blinded Eliza to Daniel's scheming, but Iris prayed every evening that she would soon come to her senses.
Finally, Iris was discharged from the hospital and went home. She sent Eliza a text message but wasn't surprised when it was ignored. Iris sighed and sat down in her sitting room with a book.
About thirty minutes later, Iris's doorbell rang. She went to answer it and was shocked when she saw who was waiting on her doorstep.
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
"Eliza!" Iris opened the door to welcome her daughter. "I'm so happy to see you..."
Iris's words trailed off as Eliza looked at her with red, swollen eyes. As she watched, fresh tears ran down her daughter's face.
"It's Daniel, isn't it?" Iris placed a hand on Eliza's shoulder and led her inside.
"I should have listened to you," Eliza cried. She broke down in the hallway. "You were correct about him, correct about everything!"
Iris wrapped her arms around Eliza and held her tightly as she cried. She hated seeing her daughter in such a state but was relieved she was finally free of that gold-digger, Daniel.
 |
| for illustration purposes only | source: pexels |
0 Comments