Ryan and I met by chance and were inseparable ever since. Two years later, we were preparing to say “I do” in a small, intimate wedding. Everything felt perfect—until 30 minutes before the ceremony. Ryan’s mother, Audrey, pulled me aside and handed me her phone. On the screen was a video of a man—allegedly Ryan—entangled with another woman in a hotel room. The jacket on the bed looked exactly like the one I had gifted him.
Heartbroken, I told Audrey I would still walk down the aisle—but not to marry him. When it was time for our vows, I looked Ryan in the eyes and said, “I don’t.” He was stunned, and I asked Audrey to show everyone the video. Ryan was devastated and confused. “That’s not me,” he pleaded. I didn’t believe him, and I left the church in tears.
Two days later, Ryan showed up at my parents’ house with flowers and food. Against my better judgment, I let him explain. He told me he had confronted Audrey, who admitted everything. The video was fake—staged by two college students she tutored. She didn’t want us to marry and went to extreme lengths to stop it.
I was in disbelief. Audrey had always acted like she loved me. Instead, she orchestrated a lie that broke my heart and nearly ended our relationship.
Ryan and I forgave each other, but the trust I had for his mother was shattered. We’re still together, but I don’t know what the future holds with Audrey.
Could you forgive her?